US-based cybersecurity company Proofpoint is expanding its operations in Cork, Ireland, with the launch of a new AI innovation centre aimed at strengthening digital transformation and cybersecurity capabilities. The expansion will initially create 45 specialist roles, including data scientists and experts in AI and large language models, with plans to grow by up to 100 additional roles in the coming years.

The Cork hub will also house an expanded security operations team and support other functions such as data security. The initiative is backed by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland and is part of Proofpoint’s broader international growth strategy. The company, which opened its Cork hub a year ago, had already committed to creating 250 jobs over two years and continues to invest in the region.

The AI innovation centre is designed to handle larger data sets, enabling Proofpoint to train advanced AI and machine learning models. The company emphasises a “privacy-attested” environment to ensure all training data remains anonymous.

Peter Burke, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said the expansion reflects the country’s success in attracting global technology companies and reinforces its status as a leading technology and innovation hub.

Proofpoint was acquired by private equity firm Thoma Bravo for $12.3bn (€10.7bn) in 2021 and has since acquired over 20 companies, including Boston-based ObserveIT for $225m (€193.36m). The expansion underlines Proofpoint’s commitment to protecting organisations across Europe from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Remi Thomas, Proofpoint’s CFO, noted that AI is becoming a critical element in defending against complex cyberattacks. The Cork hub will leverage local technical talent to enhance AI-driven solutions, enabling faster detection and prevention of emerging threats while maintaining data security.

See how Proofpoint is using AI to transform cybersecurity capabilities in Europe in the full story.