Derry’s cutting edge technology placing Northern Ireland on global map: Hamilton

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton has visited the North West where he met tech companies utilising cutting edge R&D to help propel them to global success.

The Minister took the opportunity to visit the Catalyst Inc North West Campus, Seagate Technology in Springtown, Sphere Global, Campsie and the Intelligent Research Centre at Ulster University Magee Campus.

Speaking after his visit to the Catalyst Inc where he met with resident companies, the Minister said his visit had given him an “excellent insight” to the work being done by the inspiring entrepreneurs here.

He said Catalyst Inc’s base here in Derry, which is home to over 30 high tech companies, was an excellent example how local expertise was being used to promote and stimulate innovation.”

He added: “My visit to the North West has reaffirmed the amazing talent we have here in Northern Ireland.

“Look at Sphere Global, an indigenous company which started with four employees is now employing over 60 engineers and operating in 16 countries worldwide.

“With successes including supplying the largest e-commerce site in the Gulf region along with creating a new drug dispensing system capable of dispensing up to 100 million prescriptions annually – it is this kind of technology putting Northern Ireland on the global map.”

Commenting on the role of R&D to economic success, Minister Hamilton said the ability of Seagate Technology to translate leading edge research into the manufacturing environment, combined with their highly skilled workforce, had been pivotal to their growth at Springtown.

He added: “In conjunction with Ansin at Queen’s University Belfast, the Springtown team is currently working on pioneering new technology to keep them at the forefront of this fast-moving industry.

“In addition the Intelligent Systems Research Centre at Ulster University’s Magee Campus is an excellent example of academia providing world-leading, industry relevant research to support economic growth. This kind of R&D and innovation is critical in helping to rebuild and rebalance the local economy.”

Concluding Mr Hamilton said: “The companies I’ve visited have showcased the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer and how we can continue to become increasingly outward looking, innovative and utilise our highly skilled people and research and development to drive business and economic success.”