THE technology sector in Northern Ireland is to despatch its largest ever delegation to a major trade event in Barcelona.
Seventeen firms from the north will be represented at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) next week, joined by Invest NI.
Companies attending the congress include US-owned Openwave, a specialist software developer for global telecoms; Core Systems, an expert in digital identity management which has extensive export business particularly in the US; and CSIT, a market leader in cyber security technology.
The group also features enterprising businesses offering innovative solutions across a broad range of business sectors such as IT managed services, telecoms consulting, specialist software coding, interactive mobile broadcast technology, digital media, mobile CRM, retailing solutions and used car information.
Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI trade director described the congress as "an essential element in our suite of practical support services that we provide for our fast growing ICT industry".
"MWC is a tremendous showcase of the latest innovations and trends in ICT which enables our technology businesses to demonstrate new ideas, meet both existing and potential customers and top keep abreast of developments across a very broad range of sectors. Many companies in our strategically important ICT industry have used MWC to launch new technologies and to win business.
"Our experience is that MWC works well for our companies, especially the smaller enterprises as it is a unique opportunity to reach buyers and other business partners for collaboration through strategic alliances, joint ventures and technology transfer."
The delegation has been organised by Invest Northern Ireland which has helped the companies with individual meeting programmes with potential customers and business partners. Invest NI has assisted Northern Ireland companies including smaller technology enterprises to showcase their innovative products and expertise at MWC every year over the past decade.