Whitespace Global develops technology for Defence and National Security. Its core product, Collective, is an AI operating system that lets organisations develop, deploy and govern AI across cloud, edge and air-gapped environments while retaining control of their data, models and infrastructure.

Welcoming the move during a visit to the company's Linenhall Street headquarters in Belfast, Anne Beggs, Chief Commercial Officer at Invest Northern Ireland, said: "Whitespace Global's decision to expand in Belfast is a strong endorsement of Northern Ireland's growing reputation as a centre for advanced technology innovation. Our support secured the expansion in Northern Ireland, helping the company to create these 40 high-quality jobs that will provide valuable opportunities for people across Northern Ireland thanks to its hybrid working model.

"Through this investment, Whitespace Global is strengthening its product development capabilities and anchoring high-value intellectual property and engineering leadership in Northern Ireland. The company's growth in the strategically important area of sovereign AI will enhance our region's position in defence technology and other highly regulated global markets." Ruth Hengari, Chief Financial Officer at Whitespace Global, said: "Whitespacewas founded in Belfast, and Northern Ireland is still where our ambition to scale lies. Every part of what we build, from the technology itself to the people who lead it, has its roots here. This investment marks the next stage of that story, as we expand internationally and meet growing demand across Defence and National Security.

"At Whitespace, we build sovereign AI infrastructure for the UK's most sensitive environments, from classified and air-gapped systems through to heavily regulated markets, because governments and institutions need to move faster and do more with less. Following our Series A, growing customer demand for Collective, and the backing of Invest NI, we're ready for what comes next.

"Belfast gives us talent and ambition to match our own, and these 40 roles are a chance to prove that on a global stage. Northern Ireland continues to punch above its weight in technology and Invest NI's support lets us build high-value careers here while keeping our technology, our intellectual property and our leadership rooted in this city, as we continue to grow globally."

The new posts, averaging £78,500, include software engineering, AI/ML engineering, data engineering, cloud engineering, product management, and design and delivery consulting. Recruitment will run over the next three years, with vacancies to be advertised on Whitespace Global's careers page.