Launchpad funding for life and health sciences in Northern Ireland
Businesses can apply for grants of up to £100,000 to grow their innovation activities in Northern Ireland's life and health sciences sector.
Grants are available for life sciences innovation in Northern Ireland
Innovate UK and Invest Northern Ireland are offering up to £1.2 million for life sciences innovation projects. The funding is part of the Launchpad programme, which supports local economic growth and the Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland (HIRANI) as the local cluster management organisation.
The competition aims to support outstanding innovation projects led by businesses.
What your project should cover
Your project must focus on life and health sciences innovation. This could include:
- diagnostics, therapeutics and biomarkers
- data, digital and medical devices
- innovations in healthcare service delivery
You can also work on areas like artificial intelligence, advanced therapies, regulation, ethics, or skills development. These lists aren't exhaustive. If your idea fits the competition's aims, you can apply.
What you can apply for
You can get between £25,000 and £100,000 for projects that last six to 12 months. Your project needs to start on or after 1 April 2026 and finish by 31 March 2027. All project work must take place in the UK, and you must intend to exploit the results from or in the UK.
Who can apply
You need to be a UK-registered small or medium-sized business with a project that focuses on innovation in life and health services. Your project must contribute to growing your innovation activities in the Northern Ireland cluster both during and after your project.
Applications close at 11am on Wednesday 26 November 2025.
Find out more about the Launchpad: life and health sciences, Northern Ireland competition.
Get help with your application
There are several ways to get support:
- Innovate UK will host an online briefing on Thursday 23 October 2025
- HIRANI will provide sector-specific expertise and host an online clinic on Wednesday 29 October 2025
- Invest NI will host Launchpad 1-to-1 support clinics on Tuesday 28 October 2025 at their Derry~Londonderry and Belfast offices
Potential applicants can also consult Invest NI's Bid Review Service for feedback on draft Innovate UK funding applications. Contact bidreviewservice@investni.com to find out more.
First published 20 October 2025