BelTech returns for seventh year this April

The technology conference brings together business leaders and technology experts to celebrate advancements in the Northern Ireland tech sector, whilst also inspiring and engaging a new generation of technology leaders.

BelTech 2020 will take place over two days and focus on Cloud Native Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, all of which are seeing significant advancements and growth in Northern Ireland. Further themes will include Edge Computing/IOT.

The conference will also nurture a younger generation of technology experts and will invite school pupils to use their own creativity and skills to compete against each other and design a new app. The finalists will then be invited to BelTech EDU to present their apps on day two of the conference.

BelTech is led by Dr. Tom Gray, Group Chief Technology Officer of Kainos and is sponsored by Allstate, Options Technology, Unosquare, Belfast City Council, and Hays Recruitment.

Speaking at the launch of BelTech 2020, Tom Gray, Chief Technology Officer at Kainos, said: “BelTech has become a leading event for local tech experts, business leaders and young people aspiring to break into the technology industry in Northern Ireland. In its seven years it has steadily grown due to a very close-knit tech community who love to interact, learn and share ideas with each other and with business leaders.

“This year we focus on three very dynamic themes. Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming a core part of the technology world and a huge area of potential growth in Northern Ireland. We will also explore the theme of Cyber Security.

“The core focus of this year’s conference is Cloud Native Computing. This is an architecture and approach that is enabling the next generation of products and services. Amazon is one of the leading Cloud Native platforms and we are thrilled to have someone from Amazon speak at this year’s conference.”

“In keeping with our commitment to nurture young technologists, we are inviting pupils from across Northern Ireland to enter our app competition. We believe it is vitally important to connect with the next generation of technology entrepreneurs now and show them what our sector can offer them.”

Belfast’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Daniel Baker, added: “We’re delighted to sponsor BelTech once again as digital innovation is a key sector which will help solve urban challenges in Belfast and help us grow an inclusive economy. We’re working to create a Smart Belfast with our city partners and as part of the Belfast Region City Deal, £350 million will be invested in digital innovation projects – so it’s vital that we’re supporting skills development, fostering collaboration and inspiring future generations.”

John Healy OBE, Managing Director and Vice President, Allstate Northern Ireland: “Allstate NI is proud to once again sponsor BelTech which will showcase all that is great about the technology sector in Belfast. The conference has become an integral part of the tech calendar in Belfast as it brings together the important components which contributes to our success.”

“Allstate NI is committed to supporting the promotion of the technology sector and we are always willing to do everything we can to highlight the fantastic work which is taking place in Belfast and across Northern Ireland.”

“Northern Ireland has become a central hub for technology innovation and development and BelTech is a fantastic opportunity to showcase this. This year’s line-up of speakers is really exciting and the addition of Beltech Edu to connect and encourage the next generation of technology champions is a really excellent and insightful opportunity for anyone with an interest in technology.”

For further information on Beltech please visit www.beltech.co