First Minister Michelle O'Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald have confirmed that UK technology company Kainos will create 341 jobs in Northern Ireland over the next three years as it scales its artificial intelligence (AI) services to meet rising customer demand. Thirty-two of the posts will be based at Kainos' Derry ~Londonderry office, with the remainder in Belfast.

Welcoming the investment during a visit to Kainos' HQ at Crescent Gardens, Belfast, First Minister, Michelle O'Neill said: "Kainos is a real local success story, growing from its Belfast roots into a global tech leader powered by local talent. Over 340 new jobs, including 200 graduate and early career opportunities is a significant commitment and one that will make a real difference to young people building their futures here at home.

"I also welcome that these roles will be created in both Belfast and Derry, helping to support regional balance and ensuring the benefits of growth are felt more widely. AI is reshaping our economy, and this investment demonstrates the strength of partnership between government and industry in driving innovation, productivity and inclusive growth for communities right across the north."

Welcoming the announcement, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said "This is great news for Northern Ireland and a real testament to the strength of our tech talent pipeline. The creation of over 340 new jobs, including 200 graduate and early career opportunities, shows that young people here do not need to look elsewhere to build ambitious, rewarding careers.

"Kainos is a Northern Ireland success story, the company is world-class and this expansion demonstrates the confidence that leading businesses have in our people and our economy. By working together with industry partners like Kainos, we can deliver real opportunity for everyone across Northern Ireland and further cement our position on the global stage." Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: "The creation of 341 high quality jobs is a strong vote of confidence in our growing tech sector and the highly skilled people who work here. Companies like Kainos are helping to build a globally competitive tech ecosystem, while offering flexible and hybrid working opportunities. This expansion highlights the north's reputation as a place where businesses can scale, innovate and create rewarding careers for local talent, with AI driving new high-value job creation across the economy. It also demonstrates the breadth of the AI opportunities emerging across our sectors, with strong local expertise and companies helping to boost productivity and support long-term economic growth."

The roles will cover software engineering, platform and data engineering, AI and data science, architecture, product and Workday consulting, along with delivery, design and business support, offering an average salary of £58,000.

Brendan Mooney, CEO of Kainos said: "This expansion reflects growing customer demand for our AI digital transformation services across the public, health and commercial sectors. By investing in our people, including 200 early career roles alongside these experienced positions, we will be able to do more for our customers as they put AI to work. It is an exciting time for Kainos and our customers, and a pleasure to be creating these jobs in Belfast and Derry alongside our £39m investment in Bankmore, our new Belfast office."

Invest NI has offered £1.5m towards the creation of the 341 positions.

Welcoming the announcement, Kieran Donoghue, Chief Executive of Invest NI said: "We are very pleased to support Kainos as it continues to develop its industry leading capabilities and grow its presence in Northern Ireland. Our previous R&D support helped the company to create its innovative Smart Test and Smart Audit products, while earlier support enabled significant job creation in Belfast and Derry~Londonderry.

"This latest expansion will create highly skilled roles in AI, data and software engineering, further strengthening Northern Ireland's reputation as a centre for advanced digital and AI capability."

Founded in 1986, Kainos is a UK technology company delivering IT services, consultancy and software solutions. Headquartered in Belfast, it operates in 20 countries and employs more than 3,500 people across Europe and North America. The company opened its second Northern Ireland office in Derry in 2011.