Northern Ireland’s tech community is coming together in September to raise money for a vital charity while battling it out for the title of NI’s best tech brains.
The Big Tech Quiz of the Year on Tuesday 22 September will be a key part of Belfast Tech Week, NI’s annual celebration of its growing tech industry.
Organised by Northern Ireland software specialists Cranmore, the quiz will be a rare opportunity for the wider industry to get together, while supporting the work of charity Action for Children.
Haymarket’s Lounge Bar in Belfast city centre is the venue while Q-Radio’s Noel Bradley will host the tech-infused quizzing.
Supporting the event is Software NI, which represents Northern Ireland’s technology sector, and Early Tech Talent, a programme empowering young tech industry entrants. MCS Group, meanwhile, have come aboard as sponsors.
The industry-wide event comes just as NI becomes the second highest recipient for software investment in Western Europe, while Belfast was recently named the UK's “Silicon Valley of the Future” by Samsung UK.
“This is an ideal opportunity for Northern Ireland tech to connect and support an amazing charity,” said organiser Cranmore’s Sales Director, Fergus McGrath. “It’s hugely important for the public and private sectors to work together to drive change for our economy and our society,” he added. “Tech has a vital role to play in improving the lives of citizens, whether through employment, innovation, or delivery of quality public services. This initiative is part of a wider effort to promote positive working relations across the sectors involved in tech.
“There are few opportunities for local tech companies to meet socially with their counterparts in the public sector, so this is a key moment for the industry.”
Noreen Kennedy, Regional Fundraising Manager at Action for Children, said the funds raised through the Big Tech Quiz of the Year will help many local children, young people and families.
The charity, which supports around 15,000 people in Northern Ireland each year, has teams and staff based across the region. Its remit is wide – from early years work to family support, fostering, young carers and youth homelessness services.
Ms Kennedy said: “We are privileged to be the beneficiaries of this year’s Big Tech Quiz. As hundreds of local IT firms prepare to go head-to-head for the coveted trophy, we’re really excited to be part of this event.”
She added: “All the money raised – and we have an ambitious target – will go directly to our services in Northern Ireland to help us ensure more safe and happy childhoods.”
Software NI CEO Neil Hutcheson said: “Partnership is key to a growing tech industry and this event is another way to partner for a great cause like Action for Children – we’re delighted to join forces for some of the most disadvantaged, yet wonderful people in our society.”
Speaking about the event, Sean Devlin, Group Sales Director, MCS Group said: “MCS Group is delighted to sponsor the Big Tech Quiz of the Year as part of Belfast Tech Week. Northern Ireland's tech sector has become a genuine magnet for investment, and events like this show the strength of the community behind that growth.
“Action for Children is a charity we have a long-standing relationship with, and we know firsthand the great work they do, so we're especially proud to support them while bringing the industry together for a night of competition and good fun."
Organisations interested in taking part in the event can register their quiz teams at
The Big Tech Quiz of the Year Booking Page. Entry is just £10 per person, with teams of four to seven recommended. The evening will feature raffles and an array of prizes for winners and runners up.
