Google And PwC Unveil New Innovation Lab

Google and PwC have unveiled a new Innovation Lab in PwC's Northern Ireland headquarters in Belfast.

The PwC and Google Innovation Lab will work collaboratively with companies across the UK and Europe using digital technology to drive innovation and new ways of working.

The Innovation Lab will complement PwC's technology-enabled operations in Belfast, where there are currently more than 1,300 people.

Ashley Unwin, PwC's consulting leader for EMEA said: "The PwC and Google Innovation Lab represents an alliance for work where organisations can access the PwC and Google collaborative experience and technology to co-create solutions to their digital and business challenges.

"I'm delighted that the PwC and Google Innovation Lab is a first for PwC Northern Ireland where we are already driving technology as a business solution to PwC clients worldwide."

Paul Terrington, PwC regional chairman in Northern Ireland said: "The decision to site the first PwC and Google Innovation Lab in Belfast is a huge vote of confidence in Northern Ireland as a location and PwC as a partner.

"PwC's Belfast technology investment is already delivering real solutions to clients in Northern Ireland and beyond; looking to the future, our Google Lab alliance will substantially increase our ability to attract and deliver new global client solutions from Belfast."

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said: "I welcome a European first for PwC here with the establishment of a Google lab in their Belfast base. Over recent years, PwC has been transformed into an economic powerhouse with its cloud-based software programmes and teams of international consultants. With Google now in Dublin and Belfast, I look forward to continued commitment by the Californian giant to the island of Ireland.

"This news with its potential to establish Belfast as the hub of immersive technology in Europe is good for Belfast, good for the economy and good for the North’s reputation as a place to do business."

(CD/MH)