Northern Irish non-profit organisation NISP Connect has released their latest annual report into the growth of their community as well as the wider tech ecosystem in Northern Ireland

Each year NISP Connect produces a report on the growth of the technology and knowledge economy in Northern Ireland, as well as the work they’ve been doing over the last 12 months. This year’s report shows the knowledge economy in Northern Ireland has grown a staggering 35.2% in the last five years – second only to the North East of England.

The report builds on the findings from Tech Nation which showed that Northern Ireland’s digital cluster has doubled in size over the last five years. In addition to measuring activity across Northern Ireland, the report delves into the work of NISP Connect.

Nearly 500 early stage ventures and entrepreneurs engage in NISP Connect’s programmes every year.

Their survey found that 98% would recommended NISP Connect to a friend or family member and that 89% met an invaluable contact through the organisation. More than £30m has been raised by companies working with NISP Connect.

Programmes from the organisation include INVENT 2015, a proof-of-concept stage competition for inventors, scientists, entrepreneurs and students to pitch their prototypes. On May 28th, the finalists (which you can find here), will each be completing their ‘Quickpitch’.

To find out more about NISP Connect’s programmes and initiatives visit their site. You can also download the annual report, or read it online.