Ampliphae is a Belfast-based technology company specialising in cloud-based software solutions. Ampliphae combines software development with practical cybersecurity expertise to support organisations navigating a rapidly digitalising world, providing organisations with tools to monitor and control Software as a Service (SaaS) application adoption, securing staff and customer data.

The shift to home-based working during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed organisations to emerging cyber threats, particularly in cloud applications. Ampliphae needed a scalable, automated solution to manage SaaS adoption and protect data, while responding quickly to a fast-changing risk landscape.

“Remote working staff are particularly vulnerable to cyber security threats. By working with CSIT, we developed SaaSGuard quickly and effectively, helping to protect our clients as they adapted to home-based working.”

— Trevor Graham, CEO, Ampliphae

Queen’s University Belfast has world-class expertise in video analytics and vision systems from leading academics Dr Jesus Martinez del Rincon (ECIT) and Dr Niall McLaughlin (School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science).

The Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) at Queen’s University Belfast is a world-leading centre in cybersecurity research. Dr Phil O’Kane led the academic team, supported by Dr Joe Butterfield, bringing expertise in cloud security, risk assessment, and software integration to the project.

The project was delivered through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme. Queen’s graduate Linghang Sun joined Ampliphae as the KTP Associate, working closely with Dr Phil O’Kane and Neil Sinclair (Ampliphae). 

KTPs aim to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills within the UK knowledge base. This project was co-funded by UKRI through Innovate UK and Invest Northern Ireland.

“This success further demonstrates the power of collaboration and the benefits that can be achieved by investing in innovation. Ampliphae’s new product will benefit many companies, due to the increase in remote working during the pandemic.”

- Dr Vicky Kell, Director of Innovation, Research and Development at Invest NI

The team co-developed SaaSGuard, a software suite that enables organisations to monitor, manage, and secure all their SaaS applications, applying cybersecurity research directly to a commercial product. By addressing the rising cybersecurity risks associated with increased remote working, the project strengthened Ampliphae’s position as a cybersecurity innovator. It also facilitated knowledge transfer between Queen’s academics and Ampliphae, while providing the KTP Associate, Linghang Sun, with applied experience and professional development. Key outcomes include:

• Development of a market-ready product that meets urgent cybersecurity needs
• Applied experience and upskilling of the KTP Associate in technical, leadership, and project management areas
• Enhanced organisational expertise in cloud security and digital risk management

The commercial impact is clear: Ampliphae can now offer a product that protects organisations against cloud-based cyber threats, supporting businesses as they adapt to remote working. Non-financially, the company has strengthened its internal capability in applied cybersecurity research and digital risk management. Professionally, the Associate gained critical skills and experience, preparing them for future roles in cybersecurity and innovation.

Impact related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

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