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Northern Ireland isn’t typically the first region that comes to mind when you think of AI innovation. But under the radar, a quiet transformation is building. Councils, agencies, universities, and grassroots operators are beginning to unlock the power of artificial intelligence—and there’s more support than many founders and businesses realise.
Whether you’re an SME exploring automation, a startup looking to build something new, or a consultant seeking to upskill, the local ecosystem is starting to show real momentum.
Here’s a practical guide to what’s out there in Northern Ireland if you want to go AI-first.
Invest NI remains the central public body supporting business innovation and exports in Northern Ireland. If you're building or adopting AI in your business, they're a natural starting point.
Key programmes:
They also offer access to innovation advisors who can help you scope opportunities or plug you into further support. Your experience will vary depending on your business stage and sector, but persistence pays off.
Most local councils now have business support units, and while they’re not AI-native yet, they’re catching up. A few things to look for:
Ask your local business officer: “What support exists for digital innovation or AI adoption?” If they don’t know, they’ll usually know someone who does.
Ulster University and Queen’s University both have AI-focused departments, offering a mix of research partnerships, training courses, and graduate talent.
Options worth exploring:
Even if you're not academic, these partnerships can help you build smarter workflows, especially if you’re working with sensitive data or niche models.
That’s us.
BlueCanvas.ai was built to help local businesses explore, adopt, and scale with AI. We’re a Derry-based consultancy with a simple mission: make AI useful, accessible, and real.
We support:
What we don’t do: hype. There’s no magic button. But there are lots of practical things AI can help with right now.
If you’re just getting started, we run strategy workshops and proof-of-concept builds. If you’re further along, we help operationalise your stack and train your team.
You can think of us as your AI translator.
Catalyst NI – Belfast-based innovation hub that hosts founder programmes, events, and scale-up support. They’re increasingly weaving AI into their curriculum and ecosystem.
Innovate UK EDGE – UK-wide network offering 1:1 support for innovative businesses. Some advisors specialise in AI or deep tech.
Techstart Ventures – An early-stage VC with a strong NI presence. AI startups are firmly in their investment thesis.
Digital Catapult NI – Government-backed innovation accelerator focused on emerging tech. They’re increasingly building AI sandboxes, use-case pilots, and testbeds for regional companies.
Northern Ireland’s AI ecosystem is early—but not empty. There are grants, partnerships, and people ready to help. The key is to be proactive, specific, and focused on business value—not tech hype.
If you’re running a business here and wondering where to start, the answer is simple: pick one use case and move. There’s more support waiting than you might think.
Blue Canvas is an AI consultancy based in Derry, Northern Ireland. We help businesses across the UK and Ireland implement AI that actually delivers results — from strategy to deployment to training.
Book your free 15-minute consultation →
No obligation. No sales pitch. Just honest advice about what AI can do for your business.
It can be overwhelming, for sure. It's always best just to get started somehow, small steps get a journey started.
Reach out to Blue Canvas and we can coach you through setting off.
That's great news - that means you have competitive advantage, if you start now.
It really depends on your goals - but one thing is certain, it will save you money and increase your profit.
Start small, scale up.
Speak to Blue Canvas, we will walk you through ensuring your data is private and client ready.
Ready to empower your sales team with AI? BlueCanvas can help make it happen. As a consultancy specialized in leveraging AI for business growth, we guide companies in implementing the right AI tools and strategies for their sales process. Don’t miss out on the competitive edge that AI can provide
Ready to empower your sales team with AI? BlueCanvas can help make it happen. As a consultancy specialized in leveraging AI for business growth, we guide companies in implementing the right AI tools and strategies for their sales process. Don’t miss out on the competitive edge that AI can provide
Ready to empower your sales team with AI? BlueCanvas can help make it happen. As a consultancy specialized in leveraging AI for business growth, we guide companies in implementing the right AI tools and strategies for their sales process. Don’t miss out on the competitive edge that AI can provide
It’s time to paint your business’s future with Blue Canvas. Don’t get left behind in the AI revolution. Unlock efficiency, elevate your sales, and drive new revenue with our help.
Book your free 15-minute consultation and discover how a top AI consultancy UK businesses trust can deliver game-changing results for you.
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