The Department for the Economy has published research outlining how Northern Ireland could develop economic opportunities in quantum technologies, with a focus on quantum-secure communications, photonics, sensing and applied software.

The report, titled 'Quantum Technologies in Northern Ireland', was commissioned by MATRIX NI and produced by SAMI Consulting. It concludes that Northern Ireland should pursue a specialised, application-led approach that builds on existing capabilities while linking with the wider UK, Irish and European quantum ecosystem.

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald launched the report at AICON 2026, an event during Belfast Tech Week at ICC Belfast. She said that quantum technologies represent an emerging economic opportunity and the report identifies areas where Northern Ireland already has research and industrial capability.

Archibald's priority is ensuring that emerging technologies translate into good jobs, investment and retained economic value. By focusing on genuine strengths, she said, Northern Ireland can position itself to capture opportunities in the rapidly developing sector. The report provides an evidence base to help determine where focused action can deliver the greatest economic impact.

Tom Gray, chair of the study and MATRIX NI panel member, said the report provides strong evidence that Northern Ireland should focus on areas where it already has relevant capability, particularly photonics, applied software and cybersecurity. He cited companies including Andor Technology and Seagate, alongside universities and centres such as the Centre for Secure Information Technologies at Queen's University Belfast, as providing a foundation for developing post-quantum cryptography, photonics-enabled sensing and future quantum applications.

Gray said the task now is to focus, coordinate and retain the value created in Northern Ireland.