Development and success of Catalyst Inc.

Club member and Catalyst Inc. Chief Executive Norman Apsley gave a most informative address to the Club Monday 10 September on the development, success and future of Catalyst Inc which was formerly known as the Northern Ireland Science Park. Accompanying Norman at the meeting was Carolynn Rooney, Catalyst's Financial Controller. Established in March 1999 and located on the north end of Queen’s Island NISP began with a £21m grant to build an internationally recognised centre to successfully exploit R&D in NI. It has been a huge success and is part of the dramatic developments and vibrancy of the Titanic Quarter and they now manage a portfolio of workspaces accounting for over 400,000 sq ft in Belfast (Titanic Quarter and city centre), Londonderry, Ballymena and Letterkenny. Norman pointed out that they are at the heart of innovation and key is the co-location of major technology corporations, world-class research and start-ups. They wish to inspire young people and provide the facility, network and understanding to nurture talent through their current programmes.