Minister's speech - Annual AICON Conference - 23 September 2026

Note: this publication may not reflect verbatim delivery by Minister Archibald

Good morning, everyone.

It is a pleasure to be here today for AICON Belfast 2026.

I would like to thank Kainos, Aisling Events and all of the organisers for the invitation to officially open this year's conference.

Over the past eight years, AICON has become one of the island's leading technology events, bringing together those who are shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

The fact that around 600 people are expected to attend demonstrates both the growing importance of AI and the strength of the ecosystem developing here in the north.

It also reflects a growing recognition that AI will be a key driver of competitiveness, productivity and innovation across our economy.

This year's theme, "From Possible to Proven: Agents at Work", is particularly timely.

For several years, much of the conversation around AI has focused on its potential: what it might do and how it could transform our economy and public services.

That conversation is evolving rapidly – in line with the pace of change in AI technology itself. 

Organisations are moving beyond experimentation and putting AI to work. They are using it to improve productivity, support employees, enhance customer experiences and address complex challenges.

AI agents represent the next phase. They are beginning to move beyond assisting people to working alongside them, helping to automate tasks, coordinate processes and support decision-making.

We are already seeing clear evidence that AI is becoming part of everyday working life. 

The Working in Ireland Survey, published earlier this month, found that 28% of workers across the island are already using generative AI in their work, including 26% of workers in the north. More than 84% of current users expect their use of these technologies to increase over the next two years.

That tells us two important things. First, the adoption of AI is happening now, not at some point in the future. Second, we must ensure that people and businesses have the support they need to use these technologies effectively and responsibly.

The survey also highlights continuing gaps in skills, access and governance. It is a timely reminder that successful adoption depends not only on access to technology, but also on building capability, trust and appropriate safeguards.

Together, these developments present exciting opportunities. But they also raise important questions. How do we ensure these technologies are trusted, used responsibly and deliver benefits across society?

These are not questions for the future. They are questions for today – and we are seeing them emerge in public discourse, sometimes in alarming terms.

That is why events such as AICON are so important.

The conference's twin-track approach captures both sides of the AI story, reflecting some of the nuances that can get overlooked.

The AI Delivered track focuses on implementation and real-world impact, while the AI Frontiers track looks ahead to the technologies and ideas shaping the future. 

We need both the ambition to innovate and the capability to deliver.

The north is well positioned to seize this opportunity: AI can improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness and create new opportunities for economic growth.

We are already seeing industry respond to the opportunities presented by AI. For example, First Derivative's £15.3 million investment in a new AI and FinTech Centre of Excellence, with plans to create up to 100 high-quality jobs, is a strong vote of confidence in the north's AI capability and future potential.

We want the north not only to adopt AI, but to develop, commercialise and deploy AI-enabled products and services that compete internationally and create good jobs.

We already have many of the ingredients for success: internationally recognised strengths in software, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing; world-class universities and colleges; and, most importantly, people with the talent and adaptability to embrace technological change.

Last year, MATRIX published its report on AI and the Future of Work, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.

To help take this work forward and to provide a coordinated response to the economic challenges and opportunities presented by AI, I established my AI Advisory Panel in April. The Panel brings together leaders from industry, academia, further education, social enterprise and the skills sector. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank panel members for giving their time and expertise to this important work.

The Panel has already identified three initial priorities: leadership capability, business adoption and AI skills. Its advice is helping us develop practical delivery options for the MATRIX recommendations.

This reflects an important point: success is not simply about technology. It is about leadership, skills, governance and public confidence.

That is why government is investing in practical support.

A key part of that support is the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre, which has been recognised in the British Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy as a key national resource. Backed by £16.3 million from my Department and Invest NI, this flagship Centre is helping businesses, particularly SMEs, identify where AI can improve productivity, competitiveness and growth.

It is also helping to grow our AI skills pipeline through training, professional development and postgraduate scholarships. And through its Responsible AI Hub, it is supporting good governance, clear accountability and the ethical use of AI.

Skills will be critical to our success. 

This is not simply about creating more AI specialists. It is about ensuring that workers and businesses across every sector can use these technologies confidently, productively and responsibly.

My Department is supporting that ambition through Assured Skills Academies, Higher Level Apprenticeships, Skills Focus and InnovateUs. We are also refreshing the Digital Skills Action Plan to reflect the growing importance of AI and the changing needs of our economy.

Government must lead by example. AI has the potential to improve public services, support better decision-making and increase productivity. 

We should be ambitious in pursuing those benefits while maintaining public confidence through appropriate safeguards and responsible use.

That principle sits at the heart of the Draft Artificial Intelligence Strategy currently being consulted on by The Executive Office. I encourage everyone to engage with the consultation and help shape how AI is adopted and used across our public services.

Today’s conference is also looking to the next wave of technological opportunity.

I am pleased that it will include the launch of a new MATRIX report on quantum technologies.

Quantum remains at an earlier stage of development than AI, but practical applications are already emerging in areas such as sensing, imaging and cybersecurity. The report identifies opportunities to build on our existing strengths and position the north to benefit from future growth in this field. 

I know that Tom Gray, Chair of the MATRIX study, will explore the findings in more detail later today, and I look forward to that discussion.

The opportunity before us is not simply to use AI. It is to shape how AI is developed, adopted and applied for the benefit of our economy, our public services and our society.

As the Matrix Panel has rightly recognised, moving from possible to proven requires leadership. It requires collaboration. And it requires continued investment in people and skills.

If we get this right, AI can help us boost productivity, create opportunity and improve lives right across the north. 

We have repeatedly demonstrated our ability to adapt, innovate and compete on a global stage. I am confident that we can do so again in the age of AI.

I hope you have an insightful and productive conference.

Thank you, and it is now my pleasure to officially open AICON Belfast 2026.