First Minister, deputy First Minister and Economy Minister announce the creation of over 340 new jobs at Kainos to help it to expand its AI work for customers

Date published: 10 June 2026

The new roles will support the company’s plans to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in response to growing customer demand. Thirty-two of the positions will be based in Kainos’ Derry ~Londonderry office, with the remaining roles located in Belfast. 

Welcoming the announcement while visiting the company’s 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 new roles on offer span software engineering, platform and data engineering, AI and data science, architecture, product and Workday consulting, as well as delivery, design and business support roles, with an average salary of £58k.

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 the company £1.5m of support towards the creation of the 341 new jobs.

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.”

Established in 1986, Kainos is a leading UK technology company providing IT services, consultancy and software solutions. Headquartered in Belfast, it operates in 20 countries and employs over 3,500 staff across Europe and North America. In 2011, the company opened its second office in Northern Ireland in Derry.