University College Dublin (UCD) and Queen’s University Belfast have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a strategic cross-border partnership to drive economic competitiveness in the area of applied AI. The agreement sets out a framework for collaboration between CeADAR, Ireland’s Centre for Applied AI at UCD, and Queen’s University’s business-led innovation centre, Momentum One Zero.
The MoU will facilitate joint funding bids joint across UK, Irish and European funding programmes, as well as exploring joint capital and infrastructure projects, accelerating industry adoption of digital technologies, and supporting SME engagement and skills development.
Project Board
A Joint Project Board will be established to oversee implementation of the MoU and to guide development of a major cross-border AI Alliance involving industry partners, enterprise agencies, and government stakeholders.
Professor Orla Feely, President of UCD, said: “In a changing and uncertain world, universities like UCD and Queen’s play a vital role in supporting society through technological transition. Artificial intelligence is one of the defining opportunities and challenges of our time. Through the combined expertise of CeADAR and Momentum One Zero, we can lead the way in using AI ethically and productively to deliver real economic and social benefits. Both institutions look forward to working alongside our university, industry, and government partners across the island to navigate the uncertainty ahead and fully harness the opportunities this presents.”
Dr John Lonsdale, CEO of CeADAR, said: “This Memorandum of Understanding represents a significant step in strengthening the all-island ecosystem for applied artificial intelligence. By bringing together the complementary strengths of CeADAR and Momentum One Zero, we are creating a powerful platform to accelerate responsible AI adoption, support innovation across sectors, and deliver tangible impact for industry and society.”
CeADAR is currently collaborating with NovaUCD to deliver an annual AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme as part of its European Digital Innovation Hub for AI programme which supports Irish start-ups and SMEs innovating with AI. The AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme supports entrepreneurs who are developing AI solutions for a global market.
The closing date for this year’s programme has passed. Applicants will now be shortlisted for interview, with programme onboarding planned for April.
