Wednesday 21 January 2026
The Momentum One Zero innovation centre is a flagship digital innovation asset operating at the site which is now entering its next phase of growth.
Focused on cybersecurity, AI, and wireless technologies
Momentum One Zero is Queen’s University Belfast’s business-led innovation centre focused on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and wireless technologies, delivered as part of the £70m Belfast Region City Deal investment in digital innovation. Since opening, the centre has been actively working with companies, researchers, and engineers to translate advanced research into practical, scalable solutions for industry.
Scheduled to be fully operational by the end of 2027, the expansion will significantly enhance this capability, delivering purpose-built labs, co-location space for industry partners, secure compute and testing environments, and collaborative zones designed to accelerate product development, skills growth, and commercialisation.
L-R: Stephen McCabe, executive director at Momentum One Zero; Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, economy minister in Northern Ireland; Paul Murnaghan, director, Devolved Nations, BT Business at BT and chair of the Momentum One Zero Industry Advisory Board; Sir Ian Greer, president and vice chancellor Queen's University Belfast and lord mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly.
Professor Sir Ian Greer, president and vice-chancellor of Queen's University Belfast, said: “Momentum One Zero is a clear example of how Queen’s is turning research excellence into economic impact. This expansion reflects the scale of ambition we have for digital innovation in Northern Ireland – supporting high-value jobs, strengthening our skills base, and ensuring that businesses here can compete and lead on a global stage.”
'Substantially increase the volume and range of digital innovation taking place'
Economy minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, said: “Building on the north’s capabilities and strengths, Momentum One Zero has the potential to transform the region into a global innovation destination in areas including cybersecurity, AI and digital health. It will substantially increase the volume and range of digital innovation taking place and develop skills to meet industry needs. It represents a significant achievement for Queen’s University Belfast, the Belfast Region City Deal and the wider economy.”
Lord mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly said: “Momentum One Zero will support the creation of high-value jobs across digital and deep-tech sectors, while developing the skills our people need to access those opportunities.
"It represents a major investment in Belfast’s future as a city of innovation, opportunity and good jobs – and it shows what can be achieved through strong partnership with the UK Government, NI Government and the Belfast Region City Deal.
"With £44.8m of City Deal investment towards the project, Momentum One Zero will deliver long-term economic growth, over a thousand new jobs, and a stronger, more confident Belfast for the future. A milestone moment for the city!”
Paul Murnaghan, director, Devolved Nations, BT Business at BT and chair of the Momentum One Zero Industry Advisory Board, said: “Northern Ireland is accelerating its position as a hub for innovation and advanced technology, and specifically, Momentum One Zero is focused on breaking down barriers to innovation and driving the adoption of secure AI solutions.
'Collaborate to solve real-world challenges'
"This expansion creates a dynamic environment where businesses, engineers, and researchers collaborate to solve real-world challenges. It will be instrumental in helping companies embrace advanced technologies, grow their talent base, and compete on a global stage.”
The development builds on Northern Ireland’s established strengths in cybersecurity, software, and data-driven technologies, while creating a stronger pipeline of industry-ready talent, including graduates, researchers, and engineers with hands-on experience of real-world delivery.
The expanded Momentum One Zero facility will act as a focal point for industry-led digital innovation, supporting collaboration across sectors including health, agrifood, financial services, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.
As part of the Belfast Region City Deal, Momentum One Zero complements Queen’s other innovation centres, Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) and iREACH Health, forming a connected portfolio designed to drive inclusive economic growth across the region.