A rebranding of Northern Ireland Science Park, to the tune of £100m, is hoped to bring 5,000 jobs to the region in science and technology areas.
The Northern Ireland Science Park has campuses spread out over the country, with hubs in Belfast, Derry, Letterkenny and Ballymena playing host to around 160 companies at the moment.
Now called Catalyst Inc, companies on the non-profit’s campuses specialise in science, technology and other knowledge-based areas.
This £100m rebrand is hoping to lead to the creation of 5,000 jobs in the coming years, which will almost triple the current figure of 2,600, should it be achieved.
Originally founded with public money back in 1999, Catalyst’s sole purpose is to grow technology businesses, with the investment helping to fund three new buildings over the next six months.
Norman Apsley, who is chief executive of the newly-named entity, said the new name is tied into his operation’s catalytic impact on the area.
“Everyone talks about the need to grow the economy and drive our expertise and skills in technology as it is applied to every business sector,” he said.
“What we have done at Catalyst is to provide the right environment for that ambition to take hold and to prosper. Catalyst is built upon the deep belief that in Northern Ireland we have a community of innovators so powerful its people can change the world.”
It even has a dance-tune-backed promotional video.
