New Global Platform For Women Entrepreneurs To Tackle Gender Gap In Tech

“It’s no secret the odds are stacked against women starting tech companies. We’re tired waiting so we’re taking matters into our own hands, that’s the message from Irish entrepreneur Máirín Murray who has developed a global platform to tackle the gap in female founded tech startups.

Co Down entrepreneur Máirín, founder of women‑in‑tech innovation company TechFoundHer, has announced the global launch of the TechFoundHer Collective, an online platform designed to accelerate women into tech entrepreneurship.

She explained the new membership programme will give women the practical support and backing to start, lead and scale tech companies, even if they have no coding background.

According to data commissioned by the Invest in Women Taskforce all-female founded businesses in Northern Ireland received just £2.5 million (2%) of the nation’s total equity funding in 2024, male teams received £93.7 million in investment which was nearly 80% of the total amount invested.

“We’re launching The Collective on National Women’s Enterprise Day because the numbers speak for themselves – the challenges are global – we all know about the approx 2% of VC funding going to women led enterprises but what’s needed is action” said Máirín.

Against that backdrop, The Collective is backed by a powerful network of global investors and tech leaders including Kelly Vero (CTO in Residence), Lata Setty (Global Investor in Residence), Naseem Sayani (VC in Residence), Wendy Ryan (Angel Investor in Residence), Rose Tighe (Product Innovator in Residence), Ntola Obazee (Chief Marketing Officer in Residence) and Aarthi Kumar (Chief Data & AI Strategist in Residence) among others.

“The gender stereotyping of what a tech founder looks like is real. Women innovating with tech are facing a multitude of challenges. From less funding and backers to fewer accelerator places” Dublin based entrepreneur, Máirín said, adding: “with higher barriers for women starting tech ventures we need new thinking and solutions.

“The TechFoundHer Collective is our answer, founder-led –  it’s a global network where women champion other women, share product and tech know-how and tap into investors who believe in them,” she explained. 

Membership of the TechFoundHer Collective will give participants early access to tools, webinars and expert support and connect members with investors and industry champions.

Game industry icon Kelly Vero, the CTO in Residence for The Collective, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining TechFoundHer as CTO in Residence. I’ll be hosting Ask Me Anything sessions, this is a chance for members to ask me anything from building AI engines, designing games, creating clean tech stacks and surviving code chaos, to just staying sane while being the only woman in the room.”

TechFoundHer’s move comes as the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor reports a rise in women’s start‑up activity, up from 6.1% in the early 2000s to 10.4% in 2021‑23, yet still underscores the fact that women remain under‑represented in high‑growth tech sectors and leadership roles.

International investor and legal expert Lata Setty, Global Investor in Residence at The Collective said: “As Global Investor in Residence, thrilled to join the TechFoundHer Collective. 

“Across the globe, women tech founders are crying out for a network that not only fuels innovation and collaboration, but also drives and measures progress. 

“The TechFoundHer Collective delivers that momentum and so much more – helping founders move faster, build smarter, scale quicker and contribute to global impact.”

From community build-a-longs hosted by founders, to hands-on workshops using disruptive tools like Lovable and Replit, The Collective is redefining what it means to build a startup in 2025 and beyond.

Early adopter, entrepreneur Susie Kilcoyne who is the founder of loyalty platform Locket, said: “With the Collective, you’re not going solo. You’re building alongside a crew of founders who are all figuring it out together. That’s what makes it powerful.”

For more information or to join The Collective go to techfound-her.mn.co.

Download App on Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/techfoundher-collective/id6745909124

Download App on Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.techfoundher&hl=en

 

Excalibur Press Announce Online Session Helping Organisations in Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Support Economically Inactive People Into Self-Employment

Delivery man driving van with packages on the front seat. Happy mature courier in truck. Portrait of confident express courier driving his delivery van.

Excalibur Press is set to host an online session to help organisations in Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council better support economically inactive people through self-employment opportunities.

Taking place on Tuesday, October 21 from 2pm to 3pm via ZoomEmpowering Your Community: Explore Self Employment To Get Started In Business will introduce the Go Succeed: Get Started In Business programme, which is being delivered by Excalibur Press on behalf of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.

Led by Excalibur Press Chief Vision Officer Tina Calder, the session is aimed at community groups, charities, voluntary organisations and other support services who work with individuals currently not in employment or unable to work, offering them an alternative route into economic activity through starting a business.

Tina said: “We’re passionate about helping those furthest from the labour market explore realistic and supported ways into self-employment. This session is a chance for organisations and groups across the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to learn how they can connect their service users with free support, mentoring and funding opportunities through the Go Succeed programme.”

The online event will cover key elements of the Get Started In Business programme, including access to service user drop-in clinics, dedicated workshops, and up to 10 hours of one-to-one mentoring tailored to the needs of those who are economically inactive.

Attendees will be given full details of the bespoke mentoring framework, how participants can apply for a £750 grant, and how Excalibur Press can collaborate with organisations to refer or support people into the programme.

There are 50 places available for the session, which is open to any organisation working with eligible individuals in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area.

Tina added: “From helping you identify eligible participants to co-hosting events or simply giving you the tools to signpost people to us, this session will walk you through all the ways we can work together to help more people access this fully funded support.”

To sign up for Empowering Your Community: Explore Self Employment To Get Started In Business go to bit.ly/LCCC2110EPweb

To check if your service users or community members are eligible, go to bit.ly/EconomicallyInactive

If this date doesn’t suit you there is also an “all council” briefing session for the 6 council areas we are working with on this project (LCCC, NMDDC, ANDBC, MUDC, FODC, ABC) on Monday 13th October at 2pm. Email projects@excaliburpress.co.uk for registration link.

For more information about the event, programme or collaboration opportunities, email projects@excaliburpress.co.uk, contact Tina Calder at tina@excaliburpress.co.uk or call stakeholder liaison officer Carole King on 07841714056 or carole@excaliburpress.co.uk

To learn more about the Go Succeed programme, go to go-succeed.com

Northern Ireland’s Big Marketing Meet Up Returns To ICC Belfast This November

Marketers across Northern Ireland are preparing for a powerful day of inspiration as the Big Marketing Meet Up (BMMU) returns to ICC Belfast on Thursday, 6 November.

The one-day event promises to be the room every marketer needs to be in, offering a space designed for content, connections and community.

Returning for another year, BMMU has become a much-anticipated date in the professional calendar for marketers, creatives and communications specialists across Northern Ireland and beyond. Known for its dynamic atmosphere, insightful speakers and focus on collaboration over competition, the event gives attendees the chance to pause, recharge and invest in both personal and professional growth.

With more than 200 marketers and over 20 speakers taking part, BMMU Belfast 2025 is set to deliver a full day of ideas, insights and inspiration. It brings together professionals from every corner of the marketing world to learn, share and immerse themselves in a thriving, supportive community.

Event founder Treena Clarke said the event will help marketers stop spinning plates and take time to reconnect with their creativity and professional purpose. Treena said: “BMMU is about creating a space where marketers can learn, laugh and feel part of something bigger. It is the one day of the year where they can pause the chaos and recharge with the people who understand the challenges of this industry.”

Among the headline sessions this year is a presentation from comedian and content creator Fabu-D, also known as Black Paddy, who will bring humour and honesty to his talk The Dark Side of Social. Using his trademark wit, he will explore the pressures of visibility and vulnerability online and the importance of staying authentic in a world that never switches off.

Lynsey Woods, Global Brand Director at Carlsberg and originally from Moira, will join the stage to share her insights from global household names including Carlsberg and Adidas. Her session, Lessons from Carlsberg & Adidas – How Three Northern Irish Women Shape Global Brands, will showcase the creativity, leadership and brand excellence that have taken local talent to the international stage.

Paula Bloodworth, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at Idris Elba’s creative company IE7, will discuss Secrets of Strategy from Artists Who Only Live Creatively. Drawing from her experience working with global artists such as Idris Elba and Miley Cyrus, Paula will explore how artistic thinking can inspire marketing innovation and help brands stay culturally relevant.

Also on the programme is former hostage negotiator Nigel Taberner with his powerful session Listening Like a Life Depends on It – What Marketers Can Learn from a Hostage Negotiator. Nigel will share lessons on the art of listening and persuasion, showing how the same skills used to defuse tense situations can help marketers connect, influence and build stronger relationships in business.

Treena said BMMU Belfast 2025 will once again be a day to inspire and energise professionals across the marketing sector. She added: “BMMU is built for marketers who want to connect and grow. This year’s event brings together some of the most interesting and inspiring voices in the industry. It is an opportunity to learn from those who challenge the way we think about creativity, communication and strategy.”

Attendees will enjoy a packed schedule from breakfast networking at 8am through to wrap-up drinks at 6pm, featuring keynote presentations, discussion sessions and the ever-popular after-hours activity Bullshit Marketing Bingo. 

New features for this year include a midday “Hit Pause” session for attendees to take a breather, as well as exclusive Off Stage Sessions that extend the learning beyond the main event through pre- and post-show online content.

Tickets are available now for general admission as well as virtual tickets. Both options include access to keynote sessions, panel discussions, exclusive online content and the private BMMUnity app for continued networking.

To find out more about the programme and to secure tickets, go to https://bmmubelfast.com or book directly via https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bmmubelfast/1474013

Full Speaker Line-Up Revealed for BarCamp Belfast 2025

BarCamp Belfast 2025 has announced its complete line-up of speakers ahead of the event taking place this Friday, September 26, at the Oh Yeah Centre in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. The unconference will once again close out Belfast Tech Week with a packed day of talks, roundtables and open discussions covering everything from artificial intelligence and angel investment to accessibility, marketing, creativity and performance.

Building on Andy McMillan’s 2009 success, organisers Marty Neill (of AirPOS Pay & The Retro Room) and Jennie Wallace (Beyond Skin) have brought the captivating day to fruition alongside the event’s headline sponsors Options Technologies, AirPOS Pay, Infinity 21, The Alchemists Forum, Morrow Communications and media partner Excalibur Press.

Jennie Wallace, co-organiser of BarCamp Belfast, said: “BarCamp is about creating a space where anyone can contribute, learn and share. This year, we are covering everything from ‘How to Retire in 10 Years’ to ‘AI Disasters in PR’. We want to ignite ideas in all kinds of creatives. For us, it is about learning, collaboration and fun.”

This year’s BarCamp will feature 17 sessions across two stages, covering topics as diverse as how to retire in ten years, using AI in PR, accessibility in design, generative coding, neurodiversity and email marketing.

On the main stage, public intellectual Peter Rollins will share “Platforming Your Passion”, a talk on how artists, writers and performers can use technology to build direct connections with audiences and create sustainable careers. Doug Jackson will bring an international perspective with “The Increased Need for Critical Thinking in the Age of AI”. Connor McAuley will focus on financial freedom in “How to Retire in 10 Years or Less”, while Dermot Beattie, founder of The Dandelion Group and BarCamp’s official charity partner, will highlight his lived experience in “Accessibility in Design”.

Mary McKenna, co-founder of AwakenHub and AwakenAngels, will demystify angel investment in “Why Investing in Startups is for Everyone … Not Just Millionaires”. Tina Calder from Excalibur Press will present “Rewired & Reprogrammed: How AI Transformed My ADHD Brain and My Business”. Al Cameron will share the story of building a major tech conference in record time with “From Concept to Fully Fledged Tech Conference in 4 Months – and the Two Year Journey Before It”. Michael McMahon will discuss the future of AI in the financial sector, while Gawain Morrison will explore how creative use of unused space can revitalise cities.

The roundtables will bring the open, collaborative spirit of BarCamp to life. Kevin Cunningham, founder of Doing and Learning, will host “From Scripts to Systems”, exploring how real-world code and storytelling can transform developer education. Scott Wylie, founder of EvermindAI, will ask “AI Agents: The End of SaaS as We Know It?”, opening discussion on whether intelligent agents could replace the tools businesses use today.

Katie Willoughby, founder of ProTech, will lead “Ctrl+Alt+Communicate”, highlighting why soft skills are the smartest investment in tech. Aedín O’Neill, co-founder of GrowWeb, will guide discussion in “Performance Marketing: How to Pick the Right Channels to Grow Your Business”. Liz Maguire, founder of Litir Marketing, will show why “Email Isn’t Dead” and remains one of the most effective ways to build communities and brands. Alan Branagh, founder of Alchemists and NetZero Alchemists, will share practical strategies in “Unlocking Greater Performance”. Rounding out the roundtable sessions, Jacinta Parkhill will examine “The Pitfalls of AI in Marketing”, a timely discussion on both challenges and opportunities.

Marty Neill, co-organiser of BarCamp Belfast, said: “With tech and entrepreneurial culture now very much shifting towards working from home we felt it was more important than ever to get the community together, and Belfast Tech Week looked like the perfect time to do it. We are hoping that some of the older heads from the original events will rub shoulders with the new generation of makers and builders, transferring knowledge, making contacts and hopefully sharing some collective wisdom over a pint or two.”

Following last year’s success, BarCamp Belfast has returned with an eclectic mix of founders, developers, creatives and industry experts sharing their knowledge in an open, informal environment. Admission is free, with attendees encouraged to drop in throughout the day, listen to talks, or even deliver one themselves.

For more information about #BelfastBarCamp2025 and to register for the September 26 event, go to barcampbelfast.com

Third Sector Encouraged To Join NI’s Only Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair

Charities, community organisations and social enterprises across Northern Ireland are being called on to take part in the only jobs fair of its kind this November in Belfast.

The Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair, taking place on Wednesday November 5th at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, is set to once again be the biggest gathering of third sector employers in the country.

Now in its second year the event, which celebrates careers, jobs and volunteering opportunities in the third sector, is calling on organisations who are interested in exhibiting to sign up early as spaces are limited.

Launched in 2024, the fair has quickly established itself as a key date in Northern Ireland’s third sector calendar and remains the only event of its kind anywhere in the UK or Ireland. It provides a platform for organisations to connect directly with job seekers and volunteers who are actively looking for meaningful opportunities, while also raising awareness of the impact charities have across communities.

At the spring 2025 event more than 190 paid positions and 260 volunteer roles were promoted, generating over 450 application requests on the day. Exhibitors reported meaningful conversations with candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, with many going on to secure new hires and volunteers as a direct result of the fair.

Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, Chris Bunce, said: “The Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair is about connecting people who want to make a difference with the organisations that need them. For attendees it is a chance to explore whether a career in the sector or a volunteering role is right for them. For charities, it is a practical way to meet new talent, share ideas and showcase the work they do across Northern Ireland.”

Previous exhibitors have highlighted the benefit of speaking face-to-face with motivated job seekers and volunteers, building connections that online platforms alone cannot achieve. Organisations have also praised the event’s marketing reach, which includes press, social media, and targeted promotion to Charity Jobs NI’s growing database of sector candidates.

Early expressions of interest for November have already been received from many of Northern Ireland’s largest charities, some returning for the November event. Around 50 stands will be available on the day, with allocation managed on a first come, first served basis.

To book your free ticket to attend or find out more about how your organisation can exhibit and take part go to charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair 

NI’s Only Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair To Return To Belfast This November

An event celebrating careers, jobs and volunteering opportunities in the third sector is returning to Belfast for its second year.

The Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair, taking place on Wednesday, November 5th, will bring hundreds of people together in the city to explore the best opportunities the charity, voluntary, and social enterprise sectors have to offer.

The brainchild of recruitment company Charity Jobs NI the event will run from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast.

The fair, which is free to attend, is the UK and Ireland’s only event of its kind, bringing charities and community-minded people together where purpose meets opportunity with visitors able to meet leading organisations across health, social care, housing, education, environment and community development, explore current paid roles and volunteer opportunities, and leave with clear next steps.

The last fair showcased more than 190 employment opportunities and 260 volunteer roles, generating over 450 applications on the day and turning conversations into real hires and volunteer placements across Northern Ireland. 

Previous exhibitors included Positive Futures, NOW Group, NI Hospice, Choice Housing, Inspire, MindWise, Simon Community and Cancer Focus NI, with new organisations joining each time.

Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, Chris Bunce, said: “Charity Jobs NI was formed as a sister company to Happy Jobs NI after we saw a clear gap in the market. Charities needed a cost-effective, sector-savvy way to reach the right talent, and candidates wanted a single trusted place to find purpose-led work. Our aim has always been to make hiring simpler, fairer and faster for the whole sector.”

He added: “This event is about connecting people who want to make a difference with the organisations that need them. For attendees, it is a chance to explore whether a career in the sector or a volunteering role is right for them. For charities, it is a platform to meet new talent, share ideas with peers, and celebrate the work they do across Northern Ireland.”

Among the organisations returning this year is the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Anne Crossan, Regional Retail Manager, said: “This event has been one of the most successful we’ve attended in terms of the quality and enthusiasm of participants. It’s rare to find a recruitment fair where you meet such a perfect cross-section of people interested in both paid and volunteer roles. We’ve had meaningful conversations with many potential candidates, and it’s clear that events like this are vital for connecting with the right talent. We would absolutely recommend it to others and look forward to returning.”

Expressions of interest for exhibitors are open, with space for around 50 stands on the day. Allocation will be managed on a first come, first served basis.

To book your free ticket to attend or find out more about how your organisation can exhibit and take part go to charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair 

The Retro Room Launches Belfast’s First Retro Arcade Premises

It was back to the 80s as The Retro Room at Cityside pressed start on Belfast’s first retro arcade premises, with plenty more to come.

The arcade has a lorry load of new games on the way, including a very rare Tehkan World Cup, the iconic four-player Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marble Madness, and Solomon’s Key. A gigantic Guitar Hero set-up will also be launching soon.

An outdoor area will open at the end of September featuring classic tabletop games such as Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Operation, Battleships, Binho, Plakks and many others. This will also provide a respite and rest space for gamers when the 80s chiptunes and flashing lights become a bit too much.

A number of special events are planned for the coming months, beginning with the first Halloween Spooktacular over the Halloween weekend. The arcade will be filled with Halloween-themed games including Terrordrome, Splatterhouse, and Castlevania. Spooky surprises will also appear around Cityside and a costume competition, in collaboration with Comic Book Guys, Northern Ireland’s leading independent comic retailer, will offer prizes for the freakiest costumes.

Founder Marty Neill said: “It’s taken five years to bring The Retro Room to life but it was so worth it to see so many smiling faces of people from all ages at our launch weekend. People either remember some great games from their youth or discover great games that are new to them, which is exactly why we wanted to do this. We were kids in the 80s and we spent our lives in the arcades. It’s nice to be able to do that for kids now.

“We have big plans for The Retro Room including the ability to hire the arcade for private parties such as team building, corporate events, birthday parties and retirements from the end of September.

“With loads of leisure activities such as mini golf, axe throwing, the Movie House Cinema, pool and darts at Gallaher’s Bar, bingo and the kids’ play area at Funky Monkeys, as well as plenty of food options on site, we feel Cityside is the perfect home for our retro arcade where people of all ages can come and spend the whole day playing and enjoying themselves.”

To find out more about The Retro Room, follow @belfastarcade on social media or visit retroroombelfast.com.

Creative Health Network Sets Out Northern Ireland Strategy Plan In First Year Review

The Northern Ireland Creative Health Network has published its first year review and set out clear next steps to co-create a Northern Ireland Creative Health Strategy that can be embedded in policy. 

The plan is designed to address fragmented activity and bring creative health closer to the core business of the health system.

The review proposes convening senior leaders across the Public Health Agency, NICON, the five Health and Social Care Trusts, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Arts Care, Developing Healthy Communities and Ulster University to shape the strategy. 

It highlights learning from approaches taken in Wales, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland, and plans to connect with the National Centre for Creative Health and the UK All Party Group on Creative Health, with exploration of an All-Party Group at Stormont.

The network highlights that there is widespread recognition of the value of creative health, but practice remains fragmented and often seen as fringe to the priorities of the health system. The next phase has been designed to respond to this by developing a co-created national strategy and policy for creative health.

Will Nicholson, convenor of the Northern Ireland Creative Health Network, said: “The review sets out a practical route to move creative health from the margins to the mainstream. We are bringing system leaders together to co-create a Northern Ireland strategy and embed creative health into policy, learning from other nations and focusing on what will work in our context.”

Will’s review records specific outcomes from the first year that underpin this direction. These include a high level summary strategy for the network with five priorities and references to evidence, and the establishment of the Derry and Strabane Creative Healthy City Taskforce with partners in Donegal for a cross border scoping project. 

The network also participated in the NICON annual event with a fringe session on the benefits of creative health chaired by the Chair of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and endorsed by NICON’s Director.

Barry Macaulay, chief executive of Arts Care, a founding member of the network, said: “The review shows why a Northern Ireland strategy is needed. There is strong activity across wards and community spaces, but it is dispersed. A clear framework, built with health and arts partners, will help join up delivery and support better conversations inside the health system.”

The report notes further steps to build momentum. It sets out plans to connect with national bodies, and a programme of events through 2025 and early 2026 to engage stakeholders and maintain profile, including partnership activity with the Ulster Orchestra, the Irish Doctors Orchestra and the Bamford Centre for Mental Health.

Background information in the review confirms that the network has moved from an informal group to a formal, recognised and valued network with a steering group, high level strategy and brand. It records more than 500 attendees across events in the year, growth in membership from 78 to 129, and establishment of core infrastructure including a holding web page hosted on the Arts Care website. The review acknowledges early support from the Baring Foundation in creating the conditions for this work.

Will Nicholson said: “The network has taken a relationship-led approach. Building trust with health partners has been essential, and the next phase focuses on co-designing the strategy with those who will use it.”

Barry Macaulay added: “This is about practical delivery as well as policy. The partnerships and events set out in the review give a platform to test ideas, gather evidence and make the case for creative health in Northern Ireland.”

For more information about the Creative Health Network go to artscare.co.uk/creative-health-network 

BarCamp Belfast 2025 Expands Line-Up with Talks on Innovation, Education and Creativity

BarCamp Belfast 2025 organisers have expanded the lineup for this year’s unconference taking place on September 26 at the Oh Yeah Centre in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. 

Newly confirmed speakers will take to the stage to speak on everything from performance marketing and developer education to the role of creativity in innovation and how technology can help platform creative passions.

This year’s organisers Marty Neill (of AirPOS Pay & Retro Rooms) and Jennie Wallace (Beyond Skin) have curated an event that will see 17 sessions across two stages, covering topics as diverse as how to retire in ten years, using AI in PR, accessibility in design, generative coding, neurodiversity and email marketing.

This year’s BarCamp will feature speakers including Holywood entrepreneur Kevin Cunningham, founder of Doing and Learning, who will present From Scripts to Systems: Teaching Developers Through Real Work. 

Kevin designs and delivers interactive training in coding and AI workflows and his session will show how messy scripts and real-world projects can be turned into powerful tools for teaching developers.

Glengormley businesswoman Claire Brannigan, founder of Skinakin, will deliver Scratching the Surface of Innovation. 

Drawing on her experience of designing therapeutic clothing for children with eczema, Claire will explore why creativity must be valued as a core driver of meaningful innovation and how elevating it can unlock better outcomes for society.

Aedín O’Neill, originally from Lavey and now leading GrowWeb from Belfast, will host Performance Marketing: How to Pick the Right Channels to Grow Your Business. 

Aedín co-founded her multi-award-winning agency with her sister and leads a female-driven team working with clients such as Aer Lingus, Villa Maria and the Irish News. Her interactive roundtable will help businesses decide where to invest their marketing budgets and how to make measurement and attribution work in practice.

And US based Peter Rollins, a Belfast-born public intellectual, will present Platforming your Passion. Peter, the author of numerous books and an experienced speaker, will share lessons from three decades of blending creativity, social networks and technology to help artists, writers and performers build direct relationships with audiences and generate sustainable income.

Marty Neill, co-organiser of BarCamp Belfast, said: “With tech and entrepreneurial culture now very much shifting towards working from home we felt it was more important than ever to get the community together and Belfast Tech Week looked like the perfect time to do it. We are hoping that some of the older heads from the original events will rub shoulders with the new generation of makers and builders, transferring knowledge, making contacts and hopefully sharing some collective wisdom over a pint or two.”

Following last year’s success, BarCamp Belfast has returned with an eclectic mix of founders, developers, creatives and industry experts sharing their knowledge in an open, informal environment. Admission is free, with attendees encouraged to drop in throughout the day, listen to talks, or even deliver one themselves.

This year’s Belfast BarCamp is sponsored by Options Technologies, AirPOS Pay, Infinity 21, The Alchemists Forum and Morrow Communications alongside media partner Excalibur Press.

For more information about #BelfastBarCamp2025 and to register for the September 26 event, go to barcampbelfast.com

BarCamp Belfast 2025 Announces First Speakers Covering Tech, Skills and Business Growth

Organisers of BarCamp Belfast 2025 have announced the first group of speakers set to take the stage on September 26 at the Oh Yeah Centre in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. The line-up includes experts on everything from soft skills and financial freedom to accessibility, email marketing and critical thinking in the age of AI.

Building on Andy McMillan’s 2009 success, organisers Marty Neill (of AirPOS Pay & Retro Rooms) and Jennie Wallace (Beyond Skin) have brought the captivating day to fruition alongside the event’s headline sponsors Options Technologies, AirPOS Pay, Infinity 21, The Alchemists Forum, Morrow Communications and media partner Excalibur Press.

This year’s BarCamp will feature 17 sessions across two stages, covering topics as diverse as how to retire in ten years, using AI in PR, accessibility in design, generative coding, neurodiversity and email marketing.

Among those confirmed is South Belfast entrepreneur Katie Willoughby, founder of ProTech, who will deliver Ctrl+Alt+Communicate: Soft Skills in Tech. Katie, who is launching her business to provide soft skills workshops for the tech sector, will argue that empathy and communication are not “nice-to-haves” but critical drivers of innovation. Her talk will challenge attendees to rethink the value of human skills in a sector dominated by tools and automation.

Lisburn’s Connor McAuley, founder of Move at Pace, will lead How to Retire in 10 Years or Less. Connor works with agency owners to help them scale and exit their businesses and his talk will set out the information and actions people need to achieve financial freedom within a decade.

Dermot Beattie, originally from Castlewellan and now based in Belfast, will speak on Accessibility in Design. Having experienced vision loss during university, Dermot will share his lived experience of using digital products and highlight the impact poor design has on people with disabilities. He is the founder of The Dandelion Group, which supports individuals with acquired disabilities and this year the organisation has also been named as the official charity partner of BarCamp Belfast.

Dublin marketing trainer Liz Maguire, founder of Litir Marketing, will bring her trademark humour and energy to Email Isn’t Dead. Liz will show how email remains one of the most effective ways to build communities and brands and why it offers real value compared to the unpredictability of social media platforms.

And flying in virtually from Kansas City, USA, Doug Jackson, founder of consultancy 2md, will lead The Increased Need for Critical Thinking in the Age of AI. Doug will draw on his experience as a business analyst and enterprise architect to explore when AI can add value and when human-led reasoning is essential, offering practical tools for decision-making in complex transformations.

Jennie Wallace, co-organiser of BarCamp Belfast, said: “BarCamp is about creating a space where anyone can contribute, learn and share. This year, we are covering everything from ‘How to Retire in 10 Years’ to ‘AI Disasters in PR’. We want to ignite ideas in all kinds of creatives. For us, it is about learning, collaboration and fun.”

Following last year’s success, BarCamp Belfast has returned with an eclectic mix of founders, developers, creatives and industry experts sharing their knowledge in an open, informal environment. Admission is free, with attendees encouraged to drop in throughout the day, listen to talks, or even deliver one themselves.

For more information about #BelfastBarCamp2025 and to register for the September 26 event, go to barcampbelfast.com