Northern Ireland urged to build on strengths in emerging quantum technology sector..'This report sets out how we can do that'
New research identifies opportunities in quantum-secure communications, photonics, sensing and applied software to drive jobs and investment
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has launched new research identifying opportunities to build on Northern Ireland’s existing strengths in quantum-secure communications, photonics, sensing and applied software.
‘Quantum Technologies in Northern Ireland’, commissioned by MATRIX NI on behalf of the Department for the Economy and produced by SAMI Consulting, examines where focused action could help translate emerging quantum technologies into economic opportunities.
The research concludes that Northern Ireland should pursue a specialised, application-led approach, building on existing capabilities while connecting with the wider UK, Irish and European quantum ecosystem.
Launching the report at AICON 2026, part of Belfast Tech Week, at ICC Belfast, the Minister said: “Quantum technologies present an emerging economic opportunity and this report identifies areas where we already have research and industrial capability on which to build, particularly quantum-safe communications, photonics, sensing and applied software.
“My priority is ensuring that emerging technologies translate into good jobs, investment and economic value is retained here. By focusing on the areas where we have genuine strengths, we can position ourselves to capture the opportunities presented by this rapidly developing sector.
“This report gives us an important evidence base to help determine where focused action can deliver the greatest economic impact.”
Tom Gray, chair of the study and MATRIX NI panel member, said: “The report provides strong evidence that Northern Ireland should focus on areas where it already has relevant capability, particularly photonics, applied software and cybersecurity. “Companies including Andor Technology and Seagate, alongside our universities and centres such as CSIT at Queen’s University Belfast, provide a foundation for developing post-quantum cryptography, photonics-enabled sensing and future quantum applications.
“The task now is to focus, coordinate and retain the value created here. This report sets out how we can do that.”
The full report is available from the MATRIX NI website at https://matrixni.org/documents/quantum-technologies-in-northern-ireland/