Global Tech Advocates
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Tech Northern Ireland Advocates

Belfast, United Kingdom|Est. 2020

Northern Ireland's tech advocacy voice

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Chapter Leads

Chapter Leadership

Clare McGee

Clare McGee

Group Lead, Tech Northern Ireland Advocates

Clare is a seasoned Operations Director with a passion for nurturing innovation and fostering growth in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. She brings 20 years of experience in project and community management supporting businesses at various stages. Her expertise spans business strategy, sustainable investment, and entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on tech, startups, and social innovation across Northern Ireland.

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Mary McKenna

Mary McKenna

Group Lead, Tech Northern Ireland Advocates

Mary McKenna is an AwakenHub/AwakenAngels co-founder, serial entrepreneur and angel investor. She established Learning Pool, an online learning venture, which she sold in 2014. Since then she has supported early-stage companies across Europe, particularly those led by female and first-time entrepreneurs. She serves as an EU Horizon Europe innovation judge and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Oxford. In 2020 she co-launched AwakenHub for female founders across Ireland.

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Launch Pad

Launching in Northern Ireland

An internationalisation guide for tech startups entering Northern Ireland, covering the Belfast-centred ecosystem, the government funding programmes available, and the incubators, networks and universities to plug into. It also flags the practical entry issues: customs after Brexit, the Northern Ireland Protocol, R&D tax credits and local business culture.

Key sectors
HealthtechHardware & IoTSocial & leisure techCyber securityTelecomAI & data analyticsIT & cloud servicesFintechGovtechSports tech
Download the full guide(3-page PDF)
  1. 01
    The tech landscape

    Northern Ireland has emerged as a thriving tech hub, with Belfast the second fastest-growing knowledge economy in the UK and 11th among UK startup ecosystems. In 2022, Northern Ireland businesses raised $93.2M in VC funding. The ecosystem is particularly strong in healthtech, hardware and IoT, and social and leisure technologies.

  2. 02
    Business culture

    Understanding local business culture is crucial. Northern Ireland has a unique blend of British and Irish influences. Networking and building personal relationships are highly valued in business dealings.

  3. 03
    Brexit and the Protocol

    Northern Ireland post-Brexit is in a unique position, being part of the UK but following some EU rules. Note the Northern Ireland Protocol and its implications for businesses.

  4. 04
    Digital infrastructure

    Northern Ireland has excellent digital infrastructure, including high-speed broadband and 5G networks. The Project Stratum initiative aims to improve broadband connectivity in rural areas.

  5. 05
    Language considerations

    While English is the primary language, some areas may use Irish or Ulster Scots. This could be relevant for localisation efforts.