'A no-brainer': US cybersecurity firm chooses Cork for new AI centre, adding 100 jobs

Quest Software International, City Gate Park, Mahon, Cork.

Some 100 jobs will be created in Cork as software company Quest opens its new Centre for Advanced AI Architecture.

Currently employing just under 200 people at its site in Mahon, Quest said it's total workforce in Cork will grow to 300 in the short term as it expands operations, with a large proportion of these new roles targeting new graduates.

The California-headquartered company said it plans to collaborate with Irish universities to develop courses, training programs, and skills development opportunities focused on AI and cybersecurity for people interested in technology careers.

The opening at the company's facility in Mahon is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. Teams in Cork will work across AI engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and software development.

Quest pointed to Ireland's strong education background for its decision to expand AI operations here. Ireland produces nearly 1,500 AI-related Master's graduates each year and has nearly doubled its PhD output in AI fields since 2019. 

Ireland was also the first country to develop an industry-driven nationwide Postgraduate Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence. 

"This investment strengthens our growth and supports the work we are doing to advance our products for the AI era and help us deliver AI that customers can trust," Tim Page, CEO at Quest Software said.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Page said the company's decision to open its new AI centre in Cork was a no-brainer, even despite pressure from the White House on US companies to invest at home.

"Ireland is such a safe place to go," Mr Page said.

"It's a non-controversial place and it helps us that it is very stable here. Other places would be more controversial."

The CEO added that Quest was only expanding its operations in its Cork base, and at its offcies in Austin, Texas. 

Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, who spoke at the centre's opening on Friday, said the company recognises the urgent need to expand Europe’s pool of AI expertise. 

"Today’s announcement aligns perfectly with that ambition. It strengthens Europe’s innovation capacity and is a strong endorsement of Cork and the wider Southwest region. 

"It demonstrates the role Cork plays as a dynamic contributor to Europe’s digital future, and its importance for companies like Quest as they scale their European presence.”