Science parks: A gateway to innovation support

Science parks are specialised environments designed to support business innovation and growth. As an umbrella term, 'science park' covers different types of research and technology hubs, campuses, city-based innovation districts, as well as technology incubators and centres of excellence. 

Across the UK, over 100 science parks help drive research and development (R&D) through partnerships with academic institutions, industry experts, and support services.

What are science parks?

Science parks bring together innovation-led knowledge-based businesses and offer tailored support to help them thrive. Typical services include:

• business advice, such as guidance on intellectual property and funding
• technology expertise and access to advanced facilities
• office and laboratory space for R&D activities
• networking opportunities with universities, researchers, and other businesses

Science parks often vary in structure, ownership, and focus. For example:

• incubators focus on helping startups in their early stages
• industry-specific parks specialise in sectors like biotechnology or IT
• research parks support businesses conducting R&D

By fostering collaboration and providing resources, science parks improve the chances of businesses successfully applying for R&D funding and delivering innovative projects.

Science and innovation hubs in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is home to several science, technology and innovation hubs that support businesses and drive economic growth:

Catalyst (Belfast)

Formerly the Northern Ireland Science Park, Catalyst is a leading hub for technology and innovation. It maintains strong links with universities and different support organisations, helping science and technology innovators through programmes like Co-Founders, Springboard, Way to Scale, Basecamp Boston, and more.

Ulster Science & Technology Park (Derry~Londonderry)

The Ulster Science & Technology Park focuses on life sciences, IT, and engineering. It fosters collaboration between businesses and research institutions, providing facilities and support to drive innovation.

NIACE - Northern Ireland Advanced Composites and Engineering Centre

Located in Belfast, NIACE focuses on advanced composites and engineering research. It fosters collaboration between industry and academia, providing facilities and expertise to drive innovation in sectors like aerospace and automotive engineering.

ECIT Institute at Queen's University Belfast

The Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT) is a research centre at Queen's University Belfast. It specialises in cyber security, wireless communications, and data science, offering businesses access to cutting-edge research and development opportunities.

Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI)

With multiple locations across Northern Ireland, AFBI conducts research in agriculture, food, and the environment. It provides scientific services and collaborates with businesses to enhance innovation in the agri-food sector.

Centres of innovation excellence

As part of City & Growth Deals, several centres of excellence are being developed across Northern Ireland, fostering innovation in key sectors. These hubs connect businesses with cutting-edge ideas and technologies, enabling collaboration with universities to develop breakthrough products and services. Examples of such centres include:

AMIC - Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (Belfast)

Currently under development, the AMIC focuses on advanced manufacturing technologies. Set to open its flagship facility in Newtownabbey in 2026, it will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories and digital manufacturing spaces, to support industry collaboration and innovation.

Studio Ulster (Belfast)

Studio Ulster is a centre of excellence for research, development, and innovation in virtual production. It focuses on film, broadcast, animation, games, and immersive technology, providing cutting-edge facilities and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.

Centre for Food & Drug Discovery (CFDD)

Located at Ulster University's Coleraine campus, the CFDD is a hub for innovation in food and drug discovery. It offers local businesses the opportunity to engage in advanced research, access top-tier facilities, and collaborate on projects that will shape the future of health, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals.

Momentum One Zero

Momentum One Zero (formerly Global Innovation Institute) is a global innovation centre led by Queen's University. It brings together researchers and businesses to collaborate on data security, connectivity, and analytics. The centre provides a space for local and international companies, entrepreneurs, and researchers to collaborate in a multidisciplinary environment.

These centres offer businesses in Northern Ireland a unique platform to innovate, collaborate, and access R&D support. Find out what other centres of excellence are being developed.

For information on funding, see R&D grants and support in Northern Ireland and review details of UK-wide support for innovation and R&D.