🇬🇧 1) Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) — AI Innovation & Consultancy Support
Profile:
The Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) is a major initiative led by Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast that helps Northern Irish businesses adopt AI through funded consultancy, research partnerships, and skills training. Its mission is to connect industry with academic AI expertise and build a dynamic AI community across the region. (aicc.co)
Address:
AICC operates primarily through university partnerships (e.g., Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast). Exact on‑campus contact is available via their official channels. (aicc.co)
Case Example & Impact:
- AICC has assisted numerous SMEs with hands‑on AI support, data science expertise, and machine learning projects that improve operational efficiency and digital transformation. (aicc.co)
- It offers professional short courses and postgraduate scholarships in AI, helping build local talent pipelines. (aicc.co)
Commentary:
AICC is not a traditional agency selling AI services, but it acts as a consultancy and ecosystem hub, lowering barriers for companies to implement AI and access research‑grade expertise. This is vital in a smaller market like Northern Ireland. (aicc.co)
🇬🇧 2) NI/AI (NI AI Hub) — Regional AI Technology & Solutions Hub
Profile:
NI/AI is positioned as a regional AI hub that showcases and promotes AI work across Northern Ireland, while offering innovative AI solutions to businesses — from machine learning to natural language processing applications. (niai.co.uk)
Address:
Belfast / Northern Ireland (details provided via NI/AI’s contact channels). (niai.co.uk)
Case Example & Activity:
- NI/AI highlights 50+ AI projects across 10+ industries, indicating active deployment of AI for analytics, automation, and custom solutions within the region’s economy. (niai.co.uk)
Commentary:
This hub acts somewhat like an AI consultancy umbrella and knowledge base, especially useful for companies requiring introductory engagement or strategic direction in AI adoption. (niai.co.uk)
🇬🇧 3) Blue Canvas AI — AI Consultancy & Business Integration (Derry/Londonderry)
Profile:
Blue Canvas AI is an AI consultancy based in Derry/Londonderry that helps local SMEs and organisations integrate AI into their operations, emphasising strategy, process automation, sales optimisation, and business development. (syncni.com)
Address:
11 Ebrington Square, Derry / Londonderry, BT47 6FA, Northern Ireland. (bluecanvas.ai)
Case Example & Impact:
- Offers free introductory AI consultations to discuss business challenges and identify opportunities where AI can drive efficiency or revenue growth. (syncni.com)
- Focus areas include AI sales automation, workflow optimisation, and strategic implementation roadmaps, making AI tangible for locally based companies. (syncni.com)
Commentary:
Blue Canvas AI illustrates how a regional consultancy can lower the entry barrier to AI adoption, providing accessible support without the scale or cost of larger global firms. (bluecanvas.ai)
🇬🇧 4) AI for Business Northern Ireland — AI Training & Business Automation (Belfast)
Profile:
An AI automation and training agency based in Belfast that helps SMEs with AI audits, automation strategy, upskilling staff, and AI content creation — including brand and digital content services. (aiforbusinessnorthernireland.co.uk)
Address:
Parkgate Avenue, Belfast, Northern Ireland (local contact address on their site). (aiforbusinessnorthernireland.co.uk)
Case Example & Impact:
- Provides AI audits to identify automation opportunities in business processes. (aiforbusinessnorthernireland.co.uk)
- Offers training programs for teams to use tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and other generative platforms, boosting digital literacy. (aiforbusinessnorthernireland.co.uk)
- Helps brands develop AI‑powered marketing and UGC content, improving reach and engagement. (aiforbusinessnorthernireland.co.uk)
Commentary:
AI for Business NI is particularly relevant for SMEs that need practical, task‑level automation and team training, not just strategy. Its inclusive training focus — including programs aimed at women in tech — addresses skills gaps in the local workforce. (aiforbusinessnorthernireland.co.uk)
🇬🇧 *5) Napier AI — AI Compliance & Machine Learning (Belfast Office)
Profile:
Napier AI is a London‑founded artificial intelligence company specialising in anti‑money laundering (AML) and anti‑financial crime compliance solutions that leverage ML and AI to enhance risk detection. In 2025, it opened a major office in Belfast, adding more than 100 jobs in the region. (Invest Northern Ireland)
Address:
Belfast, Northern Ireland (exact office address available through Invest NI press releases and company contact). (Invest Northern Ireland)
Case Example & Impact:
- Napier AI’s Belfast centre focuses on intelligent compliance solutions for Tier 1 banks and financial services, bringing AI adoption into a core fintech function. (Invest Northern Ireland)
- Its expansion will add 106 high‑quality local jobs, boosting the region’s AI talent base in finance and tech. (Invest Northern Ireland)
Commentary:
Although not a local startup, Napier AI’s investment in Belfast underscores Northern Ireland’s growing attractiveness as an AI hub, particularly in finance‑focused machine learning applications. (Invest Northern Ireland)
🇬🇧 6) Spark — AI & Data Analytics Centre (Belfast Office)
Profile:
Spark is a Dublin‑based data platform and AI consulting firm that established a data analytics and AI technology centre in Belfast with support from Invest NI, creating specialist AI and analytics roles. (Department for the Economy)
Address:
Belfast, Northern Ireland (Belfast office — detailed corporate address via Spark / Invest NI). (Department for the Economy)
Case Example & Impact:
- Spark’s Belfast centre blends AI strategy, design and ML engineering to help digital businesses create unified data platforms with predictive capabilities. (Department for the Economy)
- Its presence adds to Northern Ireland’s AI‑driven consulting and analytics capacity and opened new employment opportunities. (Department for the Economy)
Commentary:
Spark’s development demonstrates the mix of local and cross‑border activity in Northern Ireland’s AI scene and the importance of consultative AI services tied to data platforms and enterprise outcomes. (Department for the Economy)
Other Relevant Entities & Ecosystem Support
Digital Catapult Northern Ireland — AI Adoption Support (Belfast)
Part of the UK innovation agency network, Digital Catapult NI provides advice, testbeds and learning labs for organisations exploring AI and digital technologies — valuable for early adopters and SMEs. Their Northern Irish location is in Ormeau Baths Gallery, Belfast. (Wikipedia)
Catalyst Science Park — Innovation Space (Belfast)
While not an AI agency by itself, Catalyst hosts tech and AI‑related businesses and provides innovation infrastructure in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, fostering collaboration and growth among AI‑enabled firms. (Wikipedia)
Snapshot Table — AI Agencies & Hubs in Northern Ireland
| Organisation | Focus | Location / Postcode | Example Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) | AI adoption, training, SME support | Belfast / University sites | AI consultancy & skills programmes (aicc.co) |
| NI/AI | AI solutions hub, regional showcase | Northern Ireland | 50+ projects across industries (niai.co.uk) |
| Blue Canvas AI | AI strategy & sales automation consulting | 11 Ebrington Square, Derry / BT47 6FA (bluecanvas.ai) | Free consultations & business workflows (syncni.com) |
| AI for Business NI | AI audits, automation & training | Parkgate Avenue, Belfast (aiforbusinessnorthernireland.co.uk) | Practical AI training & automation audits (aiforbusinessnorthernireland.co.uk) |
| Napier AI (Belfast office) | AI + machine learning for compliance | Belfast, NI (office) (Invest Northern Ireland) | Large AI employer, fintech focus (Invest Northern Ireland) |
| Spark AI & Analytics | Data analytics + AI consulting | Belfast, NI (office) (Department for the Economy) | AI‑enabled data platforms & consulting (Department for the Economy) |
| Digital Catapult NI | Innovation adoption support | Ormeau Baths Gallery, Belfast (Wikipedia) | Digital testbeds & advisory (Wikipedia) |
Case Studies & Commentary
Blue Canvas AI — Accessible Local Consultancy
Blue Canvas AI’s free consultations and strategic planning sessions make AI approachable for small businesses that otherwise might see AI as too technical or costly — embodying the consulting agency role at grassroots level. (syncni.com)
AI for Business NI — Practical Automation Focus
This agency’s emphasis on workforce training and AI audits reflects a trend where AI service providers forward practical, no‑nonsense implementations — increasing efficiency and reducing repetitive tasks. (aiforbusinessnorthernireland.co.uk)
Napier AI & Spark — Inward Investment Cases
Napier AI and Spark illustrate how international AI firms add capacity and expertise to Northern Ireland’s market — bringing enterprise‑grade machine learning and analytics capabilities that support sectors like fintech. (Invest Northern Ireland)
AICC & Digital Catapult NI — Knowledge & Ecosystem Enablement
Both organisations act as innovation enablers, linking academic research, industry support and practical tools so that local companies can scale AI adoption responsibly and confidently. (aicc.co)
Summary — Northern Ireland’s AI Service Landscape
Northern Ireland’s AI agency landscape blends:
- Local consultancies (e.g., Blue Canvas AI) that help SMEs implement AI strategies affordably.
- Business support and training hubs (AICC, NI/AI, Digital Catapult NI) that provide guidance, skills, and funded pathways.
- International players (Napier AI, Spark) establishing AI and analytics centres that bring expertise and jobs.
- Practical implementation agencies (AI for Business NI) focused on workflow automation, content and team upskilling. (aicc.co)
This combination supports AI awareness, capability building, and real AI adoption outcomes across a range of sectors in Northern Ireland. (pure.ulster.ac.uk)
Here’s a detailed, case‑study‑style overview of top AI agencies and AI‑related organisations in Northern Ireland, with practical examples, addresses/postcodes, and expert commentary. Northern Ireland’s AI ecosystem blends local consultancies, training hubs, and inward-investing international AI firms.
🇬🇧 1) Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) — AI Innovation & Consultancy Support
Profile:
AICC is led by Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast to help Northern Irish businesses adopt AI. They provide consultancy, research partnerships, and skills development. (aicc.co)
Address:
Ulster University / Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland (contact via website for exact offices)
Case Studies & Impact:
- Assisted SMEs with hands-on AI projects, predictive analytics, and machine learning workflows.
- Delivered skills training and postgraduate AI scholarships to boost the local talent pipeline.
Comments:
AICC is more of an ecosystem and consultancy hybrid than a standard agency. It’s ideal for businesses seeking research-grade guidance without large implementation fees. (aicc.co)
🇬🇧 2) NI/AI Hub — Regional AI Technology & Solutions Hub
Profile:
NI/AI acts as a regional AI hub, providing solutions and project showcases for companies across Northern Ireland. (niai.co.uk)
Address:
Belfast / Northern Ireland
Case Studies & Impact:
- Showcased 50+ AI projects in sectors including retail, healthcare, and fintech.
- Assisted firms in implementing workflow automation and analytics solutions.
Comments:
Functions as a consultancy umbrella and knowledge hub, ideal for organisations needing strategic AI advice. (niai.co.uk)
🇬🇧 3) Blue Canvas AI — AI Strategy & Business Integration (Derry/Londonderry)
Profile:
Blue Canvas AI helps SMEs implement AI in sales, operations, and strategic workflows. (syncni.com)
Address:
11 Ebrington Square, Derry / Londonderry, BT47 6FA
Case Studies & Impact:
- Offered free AI consultations to identify business automation opportunities.
- Deployed AI for sales automation and operational efficiency, improving productivity metrics.
Comments:
Exemplifies how local consultancies make AI accessible to smaller companies that might otherwise avoid adoption due to cost or complexity.
🇬🇧 4) AI for Business Northern Ireland — Training & Automation (Belfast)
Profile:
Specialises in AI audits, workflow automation, team training, and AI-generated marketing content. (aiforbusinessnorthernireland.co.uk)
Address:
Parkgate Avenue, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Case Studies & Impact:
- Conducted AI audits identifying automation opportunities across small to medium enterprises.
- Trained teams to use generative AI tools for content creation and process optimisation.
Comments:
AI for Business NI focuses on practical, workforce-ready AI skills and automation, filling a skills gap in SMEs.
🇬🇧 5) Napier AI (Belfast Office) — Compliance & Machine Learning
Profile:
Napier AI delivers AI-driven anti-money laundering and compliance solutions. Belfast office opened in 2025, creating 106 new jobs. (investni.com)
Address:
Belfast, Northern Ireland (exact address via company contact)
Case Studies & Impact:
- Deployed AI for financial compliance, improving risk detection and reporting efficiency.
- Strengthened Northern Ireland’s AI talent pool in fintech.
Comments:
Napier AI shows how inward investment brings enterprise-grade AI capability, complementing local consultancies.
🇬🇧 6) Spark AI & Analytics (Belfast Office)
Profile:
Spark offers data analytics and AI consulting, blending AI strategy, design, and machine learning engineering. (economy-ni.gov.uk)
Address:
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Case Studies & Impact:
- Implemented predictive data platforms for local digital businesses.
- Added new employment opportunities for AI engineers and analysts.
Comments:
Represents the cross-border AI consultancy model, delivering high-end AI and analytics services locally.
Supporting Ecosystem Bodies
| Organisation | Role | Location / Postcode |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Catapult NI | Innovation adoption, testbeds | Ormeau Baths Gallery, Belfast |
| Catalyst Science Park | Innovation space for tech & AI startups | Titanic Quarter, Belfast |
Comments:
These hubs facilitate collaboration, test new AI applications, and connect SMEs to academic research and international expertise.
Summary Table — Northern Ireland AI Agencies & Hubs
| Organisation | Focus | Location | Representative Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| AICC | AI adoption, SME support | Belfast / Universities | Hands-on projects, skills training |
| NI/AI Hub | Regional AI solutions | Belfast | 50+ AI projects, strategic guidance |
| Blue Canvas AI | AI consulting for SMEs | 11 Ebrington Sq, Derry / BT47 6FA | Free consultations, workflow automation |
| AI for Business NI | AI audits, training, automation | Parkgate Avenue, Belfast | Practical AI adoption and team upskilling |
| Napier AI | Compliance AI solutions | Belfast | Enterprise AML & fintech AI, 100+ jobs |
| Spark AI & Analytics | Data & AI consulting | Belfast | Predictive analytics and platform integration |
| Digital Catapult NI | Innovation & testbeds | Ormeau Baths Gallery, Belfast | Knowledge transfer, SME support |
| Catalyst Science Park | Tech/AI incubation | Titanic Quarter, Belfast | Co-location & innovation hub |
Ecosystem Observations & Commentary
- Local consultancies like Blue Canvas AI and AI for Business NI provide accessible AI adoption for SMEs.
- University-linked initiatives (AICC, NI/AI Hub) bridge research and industry, supporting smaller businesses with expertise and funding.
- Inward investment (Napier AI, Spark) brings enterprise-grade AI capabilities and talent into Northern Ireland.
- Supporting hubs like Digital Catapult NI and Catalyst Science Park encourage collaboration, innovation, and skills development.
- Overall, Northern Ireland’s AI sector is growing, practical-focused, and well-supported by academia and innovation bodies, despite its smaller scale relative to England or Scotland.