The Princess Royal attends the Northern Ireland Investment Summit

Following her address, Her Royal Highness was given a tour of the Summit’s showcase area, where she met with Northern Ireland businesses who specialise in technology, advanced manufacturing, automation, analytics and transport.

The Princess Royal met first with representatives of RETiniZE, one of Europe’s fastest -growing creative technology companies with roots in high-end global TV production. RETìníZE has developed Animotive - a revolutionary, easy-to-use VR product that is harnessing immersive technology and AI to democratise 3D animation production, making it fast, fun and affordable - allowing users to focus on being creative.

Her Royal Highness then spoke to representatives of Axial 3D, which provides hospitals and medical device manufacturers with access to an easy-to-use, repeatable, and scalable way to transform 2D medical image data into 3D. Through its AI-driven cloud-based segmentation platform, Axial3D automatically convert patients’ digital imaging data into 3D visualizations, printable and mesh files, and 3D printed models.

The Princess Royal also heard more about the Collins Aerospace. Based in Kilkeel, Collins manufactures innovative aircraft seating solutions for airlines around the globe. With more than 800 employees, the Kilkeel site is one of the largest seating manufacturing facilities in the world, producing nearly 25% of all commercial aircraft seats flying today.

Her Royal Highness then met with Janet Burns, BT Business Development Director, and Steve Berry, Chair of Angoka, who are leading the Harlander project, which harnesses innovative technologies and services from Belfast Harbour, BT and ANGOKA, with £5.5 million funding from Innovate UK. The project will establish Northern Ireland’s first automated passenger shuttle service, providing secure last-mile connectivity within Belfast Harbour Estate, supporting Belfast Harbour’s delivery of a Strategic Transport Masterplan for Queen’s Island.

The Princess Royal then spoke with Fast Technologies, an advanced manufacturing company specialising in automation, robotics and software solutions for companies worldwide. With headquarters in Londonderry and an advanced automation hub in Belfast, it has over 25 years’ experience in industrial automation.

Her Royal Highness finally met with the Chief Executive of Respiratory Analytics, which has developed the Aflo respiratory management platform for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Aflo uses the latest sensor technology and data analytics to automate correct inhaler technique, enabling hyper-personalised support for improved disease management.