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Queen's and Kainos set the pace for digital innovation in education

Kainos, Northern Ireland’s leader in digital transformation, has announced a new strategic partnership with Queen’s University Belfast.

Standing in front of Queen's Lanyon building. (L-R) Paddy Anderson, Vice-President and Chief Finance and Resources Officer,Queen’s; Brendan Mooney, CEO, Kainos; and Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s
(L-R) Paddy Anderson, Vice-President and Chief Finance and Resources Officer, Queen’s; Brendan Mooney, CEO, Kainos; and Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s

The two organisations will collaborate on a digital programme that will enhance the student experience, drive innovation and deliver long-term sustainability for the university.

The partnership will transform Queen’s University’s digital landscape, leveraging advanced technologies - including artificial intelligence - to create more personalised, engaging and connected experiences for students, academics and staff. This initiative marks the launch of a major programme to modernise the University’s digital infrastructure, creating intuitive, user-focused services that reflect the expectations of today’s learners.  

The new digital ecosystem will enable a range of enhanced services, from tailored learning pathways and immersive teaching experiences powered by virtual and augmented reality to expanded access to support and guidance – helping Queen’s set a new standard in digital education and student engagement.  

At the heart of this initiative is a secure, cloud-based platform designed to increase operational agility and scalability.

By embracing innovation and upgrading its systems, Queen’s will strengthen its position as a leader in educational excellence in an increasingly digital landscape.

Queen’s University Belfast is committed to empowering future-ready graduates and promoting meaningful connections among students, academics, and industry. This collaboration with Kainos will be central to realising that ambition, enabling the University to enhance engagement and deliver more sustainable outcomes both locally and globally. 

Kainos brings significant experience in delivering complex digital programmes for education and public sector institutions, making them an ideal partner for Queen’s to navigate its ambitious transformation journey.

Speaking about the partnership, Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s, said:

“This transformational programme comes at a time when the pace of technological change, particularly in areas like AI, is reshaping education and the wider world. At Queen’s, we are embracing this change, and our new partnership with Kainos, one of QUBIS’s most successful spin-out companies, reflects our shared roots and a long-standing relationship that has grown significantly over the years.

“Many of our graduates have gone on to build exceptional careers at Kainos, and we have collaborated closely through outreach activities and innovative research. This initiative allows us to embark on a new chapter together, one that will modernise our digital estate, enhance our student and staff experience, and ensure Queen’s remains at the forefront of educational excellence in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.” 

Speaking about the partnership, Brendan Mooney, CEO, Kainos, said:

"Queen’s is a place that is full of ambition and is always leading the way [or, setting the pace or driving progress] when it comes to inspiring the next generation of students and graduates. This latest commitment to enhancing the student and staff experience will reinforce the university’s reputation as a leader in education innovation and shaping what the university experience of the future will look like. We are proud that Kainos has been chosen to partner with Queen’s on this hugely ambitious project."

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