Regional Innovation Challenge for early stage founders
Apply by 17 February 2026 for up to £15,000 proof of concept grants from Techstart Ventures to help you test your business idea.
Proof of concept grant competition
Entrepreneurs with new and innovative business ideas can apply for funding through the Regional Innovation Challenge, a Northern Ireland-wide grant competition run by Techstart Ventures.
The competition supports founders at the earliest stage of development, offering proof of concept grants of up to £15,000 to help test and assess the commercial potential of novel ideas.
Region-based competition structure
For the purposes of the competition, Northern Ireland has been divided into four regions, each aligned with specific council areas and supported by a local innovation hub. Applicants will be grouped by region, and shortlisted founders will pitch their idea to a panel, competing only against others in their region.
North
In partnership with The AMP Growth Incubator, covering council areas of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Causeway Coast and Glens, Derry City and Strabane, Mid and East Antrim.
West
In partnership with The Workhouse, covering council areas of Mid Ulster, Fermanagh and Omagh.
South
In partnership with CIDO, covering council areas of Ards and North Down, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Lisburn and Castlereagh, Newry, Mourne and Down.
Belfast
In partnership with the Innovation Factory, covering Belfast City Council area.
Multiple grants are available in each region.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Tuesday 17 February 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch their ideas to a judging panel in their region, with decisions due by April 2026.
Find out more about the Regional Innovation Challenge and apply online.
The grants are provided through Techstart Ventures' Proof of Concept Grant Fund, which is funded by Invest Northern Ireland.
First published 20 January 2026