Abstract
The BT Ireland Innovation Centre (BTIIC) was founded over five years ago as a strategic collaboration between BT and Ulster University. Designed as an experimental model for industrial-academic innovation, the Centre co-located university researchers, BT researchers, and commercial engineering teams in a single facility. This unique setup and has delivered value to both the partner organisations and the wider regional technology ecosystem. As BTIIC completes Phase 1 of its journey and enters Phase 2, this presentation will reflect on the key lessons learned from its early years and how the strategy has been evolved for Phase

Short Bio:
Cliona has spearheaded a decade-long collaborative programme funded by "BT – Ulster University – NI Government (Invest NI)," aimed at establishing a joint Research and Innovation Centre within BT's Belfast Global Development Centre (GDC). During the initial phase, she has successfully integrated over 30 Ulster University post-doctoral researchers, academics, and 12 PhD students with BT’s Industrial Research and Engineering sectors, specifically in Technology (Digital and Networks). Their research focuses on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence/machine learning, data science, security, and the Internet of Things.

Cliona boasts a multifaceted career in  BT spanning Engineering, Architecture, and Business over the past 8 years. Her journey led her to her current role as the head of the Award-winning Innovation Centre in Belfast. Prior to joining BT, Cliona enjoyed a successful career in Corporate Finance with Natwest Group. In 2015, she took a different path, completing an MSc in Software Development at QUB, which ultimately paved the way for her current position

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Next Workshop: Professor John Davies