Sync NI

14/02/2025

The Pathway to Growth programme launches as free initiative designed to accelerate sales growth for Northern Ireland’s most ambitious tech companies.

Driving for sales, this initiative will deliver three in-person deep dive sales workshops, followed by bespoke one-to-one mentoring sessions and culminating in a high-profile Growth Sales Conference.

Neil Hutcheson Software NI says, "We welcome this programme as another option for software companies seeking to increase their sales in a practical way. Sales is one of 4 key pillars we see a real need to focus on, if the software sector is to reach its potential in Northern Ireland. Credit to Jenny and the team for spotting the opportunity and securing the funding."

https://syncni.com/article/12951/pathway-to-growth-program-launched-to-support-scaling-tech-companies

14/02/2025

In a significant boost to youth mental health initiatives, Verbal, a local based charity in Derry/Londonderry and working across the island of Ireland, dedicated to improving wellbeing through storytelling, has secured £25k funding from The Open University Open Societal Challenges (OSC) grant for their innovative project, "Beyond ‘Liking’ or ‘Not Liking’: Co-Created Stories for Social Media Resilience."

“This funding empowers us to give young people a voice in tackling the challenges of social media,” said James Kerr, Chief Executive at Verbal. “Our goal is to equip them with tools to navigate these spaces with confidence and resilience.”

In a significant boost to youth mental health initiatives, Verbal, a local based charity in Derry/Londonderry and working across the island of Ireland, dedicated to improving wellbeing through storytelling, has secured £25k funding from The Open Uni...

14/02/2025

Ronnie Crawford is the managing director of fitout company Calibro and he has witnessed the development of office culture – and the challenges that come with it – over the last nine years. Speaking on shifting trends in the workplace, Ronnie says:

“We saw a huge shift in how businesses approach their offices after the pandemic. Trends emerged from people working from home, and those trends continue to impact workplaces today. People came to like certain features of their home environments, which are now being replicated in office spaces. In the industry we call this ‘resimercial’ design.

https://syncni.com/article/12949/people-centric-design-and-the-rise-of-resimercial-2025-workplace-trends-revealed

14/02/2025

Following the success of the inaugural CyberFirst Empower Girls event last year, the countdown is on for the second and much larger event, which is set to take place at the ICC, Belfast on Tuesday 29th April 2025.

Sara Lyons, CyberFirst NI Project Manager, said:

“We are very excited to be bringing the CyberFirst Empower Girls event back and are focused on making it both bigger and better than last year to meet increased demand. With industry giants, such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Kainos and Instil already signed up to support the event along with the Bring IT On programme, this is an excellent opportunity to showcase innovation across the sector and inspire our next generation of students to pursue a career in the sector. We would encourage any company with an interest in cyber skills to sign up and support the event before it is too late.”

https://syncni.com/article/12943/cyber-first-empower-girls-ni-cyber-sector-to-inspire-ni-girls-to-crack-the-code-on-future-careers

13/02/2025

This week, we bring you the latest round-up of tech and business news in Northern Ireland 🚀

Click the link below to learn about new career opportunities in Belfast and find out more about industry events in your area and you can get involved in the local tech community.



- https://mailchi.mp/syncni/news-13th-feb-10329225

13/02/2025

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have made a ground breaking discovery – they’ve created a simple way to make high quality proton beams using high intensity lasers.

Dr Charlotte Palmer from the School of Mathematics and Physics at Queen’s explains: “Usually, protons are created by machines called cyclotrons. These machines are large, and relatively rare – in particular, there are only three cyclotrons available to the NHS for cancer therapy in the UK. So it’s difficult to access suitable facilities for cancer therapy or for radiobiology research, which is necessary to develop future cancer treatments.”

https://syncni.com/article/12947/ground-breaking-discovery-could-improve-cancer-treatment-technology

13/02/2025

As Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life on October 14, 2025, businesses here in Northern Ireland face a crucial transition to Windows 11. This shift is more than a software update; it’s a strategic opportunity to leverage advanced AI-enabled devices that future-proof IT operations. Windows 11 offers more than compliance with current software - it’s a chance to embrace high-performing, secure systems that set the stage for long-term competitiveness.

Photo: Tara Gale, Client Solutions Country Lead, Dell Technologies Ireland

https://syncni.com/article/12946/future-proofing-your-business-the-smart-path-to-a-pc-refresh

13/02/2025

Belfast-headquartered asset-based lending (ABL) specialist, Upstream, has successfully completed a management buyout (MBO) of the business, bringing it back into full local ownership.

Upstream Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Judith Totten, said:

“This significant new partnership with Pollen Street Capital will give us the bandwidth and fire power to support more ambitious entrepreneurs, with a much broader service offering. This MBO brings the Upstream business back under the full control of the local team, positioning us for growth through acquisition and diversification into new markets and services across the working capital, structured ABL and receivables spectrum. We remain sector agnostic but now have the capital for larger structured finance deals and a full ABL suite of facilities, securing our place as the ‘go to’ for growth funding."

Photo: Lewis McCallan, ABL Partner, Judith Totten, Founder and CEO, and Bill Hichens, Operations Director.

https://syncni.com/article/12945/upstream-secures-150m-funding-for-local-businesses-after-successful-mbo

13/02/2025

Endeavor has selected six founder-led companies to participate in the second edition of its Northern Ireland Scale Up Programme, an initiative designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential entrepreneurs.

Managing Director of Endeavor Ireland, Aileen Hayes, said;

“We’re excited to launch a second Scale Up Programme for Northern Ireland, inspired by and building on the incredible talent we saw in our first cohort. At Endeavor, we’re committed to empowering high-impact entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and drive meaningful change across the island of Ireland. Northern Ireland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to go from strength to strength, and this programme is designed to provide founders with the mentorship, strategic guidance, and global network needed to accelerate their growth. This second cohort of founders is solving problems in industries as wide as AI, heavy machinery and sports tech, and we’re looking forward to working with them in the months ahead."

Photo: Kieran McLoughlin, Venture Wave Capital ; Catherine Ewings, Syndeo, Angela Moore CBE, Virginia Distillery Co. ; Fiona Jelly, Queen's University Belfast

https://syncni.com/article/12944/second-edition-of-endeavor-ireland-s-scale-up-programme-for-northern-ireland-selects-six-founder-led-companies

12/02/2025

Women founders from Northern Ireland who took part in the successful AwakenHub and AwakenAngels trade mission to Boston and New York last week were today welcomed to the residence of the U.S. Consul General in Belfast, James Applegate, for a lunch event and follow-up discussion on the visit. The group was joined by Brenda Vanhorn, Commercial Counselor, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, who outlined the follow-up support now available to the founders as they continue to scale their companies and make plans to enter the American market.

Photo: US Consulate AwakenHub Private Lunch

https://syncni.com/article/12942/us-consulate-in-belfast-hosts-awaken-hub-following-successful-us-trade-mission

12/02/2025

Zerova Technologies Europe, a leading provider of DC charging solutions, headquartered in The Netherlands, and Go Eve, an Irish/UK company, and an innovator in electric vehicle (EV) charging technology, have today announced a partnership to deliver a smarter, more efficient EV charging experience.

The collaboration combines Zerova's advanced DS Series rapid chargers with Go Eve's groundbreaking DockChain technology, setting a new benchmark in deploying EV charging infrastructure.

John Goodbody, co-founder, Go Eve, said, “Zerova’s DockChain approval ensures we can now offer a seamless, scalable fast-charging solution globally. This partnership enhances the EV charging experience for drivers and provides operators with an intelligent, flexible infrastructure choice. Expect to see DC fast charging installed in many more locations from now on.”

https://syncni.com/article/12941/zerova-technologies-and-go-eve-announce-partnership-to-deliver-more-efficient-ev-charging-experience

12/02/2025

Manufacturing firm, Canyon Europe, is set to increase its exports to Europe with a £3.1million investment in a new production line at its Mallusk facility.

A subsidiary of Japanese-owned Canyon Corporation, Canyon Europe, specialises in the design and manufacture of trigger sprayers and dispensers. It established in Northern Ireland in 1987 as a strategic base for accessing the European market and since then has grown into a key player in the industry, exporting to over 30 countries.

Hugh Ross, Managing Director of Canyon Europe added: “Since setting up in Northern Ireland, we have built a strong international presence in over 30 countries and now employ over 80 staff. We’re making this significant investment because we see substantial growth potential in our new product, which we believe will be a major driver for our business over the next five years."

https://syncni.com/article/12940/canyon-europe-set-to-grow-exports-with-3m-investment-in-mallusk-production-line

12/02/2025

BELFAST-DUBLIN based corporate travel management company, Beyond Business Travel, is set to double the size of the business by 2030 following its acquisition by multi-award-winning global events group, The Human Network late last year.

The deal which will see the organisation enhance its geographical footprint and service capabilities across the island of Ireland, including into the US market was established 15 years ago by Edel Doherty. With a current turnover of £15 million, Beyond Business Travel boasts a client base of over 100 across a variety of sectors including film and television, manufacturing, IT and pharmaceutical to name but a few.

Photo: Pictured are, from left, Edel Doherty, Consultant, Shauna Burns, Managing Director and Steve Banks, CEO.

https://syncni.com/article/12939/the-sky-is-the-limit-for-beyond-business-travel-following-acquisition

12/02/2025

The Ireland Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) today announces that it is prioritising social good with a partnership with the Irish Emergency Alliance.

Established in 2018 and active in 95 of the world’s poorest countries, the Irish Emergency Alliance aims to help, save and rebuild the lives of those affected by major emergencies across the globe.

As well as a growing alliance – which currently includes ActionAid UK, Christian Aid, Plan International, Self Help Africa, Tearfund Ireland, Trocaire and World Vision USA – it has responded to five catastrophic emergencies and raised over €6.75 million.

Photo: Brian Casey, Sinead Gallagher, Daniel Eagling, and Peter Glynn

https://syncni.com/article/12938/ireland-chapter-of-pmi-prioritising-social-good-with-irish-emergency-alliance-partnership

11/02/2025

The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI - National Standards Authority of Ireland), in conjunction with their partners Data Edge, Timing Solutions and HEAnet, are hosting Ireland’s inaugural Time & Sync Forum today, 11th Feb 2025, in Santry, Dublin. The event is bringing together a number of leading authorities in timing and synchronisation from Ireland, the UK and the European Commission to discuss key topics and policies relating to critical infrastructure on the island of Ireland.

Commenting on the event, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD said, “Position, Navigation and Timing technologies are a core part of the work of a number of industries that are cornerstones of the Irish economy. Earlier this year, the Programme for Government committed to delivering a strong enterprise and fiscal framework to support competitiveness and the growth of a strong industrial base which has created jobs, grown exports, promoted innovation, and raised our standard of living. I warmly welcome this event, focussed on building on the launch of the National Timing Grid, and its role in advancing Ireland’s domestic capabilities to support industry.”

https://syncni.com/article/12936/nsai-holding-ireland-s-first-ever-time-sync-forum

11/02/2025

Version 1 , the leader in digital transformation, and the National Health Executive (HSE), Ireland’s principal statutory agency responsible for providing health and personal social services in Ireland, today announced a partnership that will support the HSE on its digital transformation journey as set out in Digital For Care 2030.

“We were hugely inspired by HSE’s ambition and vision to push the boundaries and harness technology in a way that so clearly brings considerable ease of access and improvements to its users,” said Ger O’Sullivan, head of public sector, Ireland at Version 1.

Photo: Kevin Kelly - Head of the AI and Automation Centre of Excellence at the HSE

https://syncni.com/article/12934/version-1-awarded-3-year-national-contract-to-support-health-service-executive-hse

11/02/2025

A team of over 20 business leaders from across the island of Ireland, UK and USA have launched their 26 Mountains 2 Mayo challenge in aid of Cancer Fund for Children, a charity that empowers, connects and strengthens children, young people and families impacted by cancer.

Speaking on this, challenge organiser Roger Johnston, CEO of Axial_3D said:

“I was inspired to develop this 26 Mountains 2 Mayo challenge and working with the charity over the past few months to bring this idea to life has just reinforced to me the scale of care that they provide in every county. Our team spans continents, industries and professions and I am so excited to come together with everyone across the next few months to prepare for this gruelling challenge and to take on the peaks themselves so that this incredible charity can be there for more families who need them, in every county and every community.”

Photo: Roger Johnston, CEO of Axial3D and Trustee of Cancer Fund for Children, Rory Best

https://syncni.com/article/12935/business-leaders-take-on-26-mountain-challenge-in-aid-of-cancer-fund-for-children

10/02/2025

Eighty eight percent of those surveyed in Northern Ireland say they are not ready for electric vehicles, with almost 80% claiming the planned 2035 ban on petrol and diesel cars is too soon.

That’s according to recent data from the car insurance experts at CompareNI.com - who surveyed 700 motorists in Northern Ireland across January 2025 - on switching to an electric vehicle.

They questioned drivers on making the switch to electric, whether drivers here felt ready and what incentives would encourage them to consider swapping petrol or diesel cars to electric.

By 2035 all newly registered cars in the UK including Northern Ireland will need to be electric or zero emission vehicles. Petrol and diesel vehicles will no longer be for sale.

https://syncni.com/article/12920/northern-ireland-not-ready-for-electric-vehicles