Innovation, research and development grants

If you are based in Northern Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) is your first point of contact for research and innovation support. It provides funding, advice, and connections to help businesses innovate and grow.

Invest NI also co-delivers programmes like Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and Innovate UK Business Connect in Northern Ireland, helping businesses find collaboration opportunities at home or abroad.

On behalf of Invest NI, Innovate NI works to increase the number of Northern Ireland businesses engaged in innovation. The service offers innovation guidance, resources, and an Innovation Accreditation scheme to support new ideas, improve processes, and boost competitiveness of Northern Ireland businesses. 

Funding for research and innovation from Invest NI

The main funding opportunities include:

Grant for Research and Development (R&D)

• Purpose: Fund costs for R&D activities, including developing new knowledge, products, processes or services
• Funding: Dependent on the company's ability to provide match funding
• Eligibility: Available to Invest NI customers or SMEs that meet the criteria
• Details: Grant for R&D

Innovation Vouchers

• Purpose: Enable businesses to access specialist knowledge for innovative solutions
• Worth: Up to £5,000
• Eligibility: Open to all sectors; no Invest NI client status required
• Details: Innovation Vouchers

Business Innovation Grant

• Purpose: Develop and commercialise new or improved products, services, or processes
• Worth: Up to £20,000
• Eligibility: Sole traders, micro-businesses and SMEs that meet the criteria
• Details: Business Innovation Grant

Technical Development Incentive

• Purpose: Technical services expertise to help implement innovative solutions
• Funding: Up to £25,000
• Eligibility: SMEs engaged in innovation activities
• Details: Technical Development Incentive

Additional R&D support services from Invest NI

Invest NI also offers two specialist support services to help businesses strengthen their R&D and innovation funding applications:

• Bid Review Service - provides expert feedback on draft R&D and innovation funding applications to improve quality and competitiveness before submission
• Innovation Funding Advisory Service - offers tailored advice to help businesses identify suitable innovation funding opportunities and develop stronger applications for national and international programmes

Read more about Invest NI's support for R&D and innovation. If you're ineligible for funding, Invest NI advisers can direct you to other sources of support, including Innovate UK, Horizon Europe, other funders, or research and business partners. Call Invest NI Helpline on Tel 0800 181 4422 and speak to an innovation adviser about your R&D needs.

Innovation support from InterTradeIreland

InterTradeIreland offers several innovation programmes that provide funding to support business growth and cross-border collaboration:

Business Explorer

• Purpose: Support SMEs in solving business challenges or developing ideas
• Funding: Covers collaboration with academics or industry specialists
• Eligibility: SMEs in Northern Ireland and Ireland
• Details: Business Explorer

Innovation Boost

• Purpose: Help SMEs develop new products or processes with academic partners
• Funding: Up to £31,000/€41,100 (12 months); £44,250/€58,700 (18 months)
• Eligibility: SMEs in Northern Ireland and Ireland
• Details: Innovation Boost

Synergy

• Purpose: Foster cross-border collaboration through innovative networks
• Funding: Supports cluster and network development
• Eligibility: SMEs in cross-border partnerships
• Details: Synergy

US-Ireland R&D Partnership

• Purpose: Support joint research in health, energy, and sustainability
• Funding: Covers collaborative projects
• Eligibility: Researchers and businesses in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the US
• Details: US-Ireland R&D Partnership

Read more about InterTradeIreland's support for innovation and R&D.

Other innovation support in Northern Ireland

There are many other sources of advice and wider support around innovation in Northern Ireland. For example:

Techstart Ventures Proof of Concept Fund

Techstart Ventures offers proof of concept grants and seed funding, as well as support for early-stage innovation projects. See more on Techstart Ventures grants.

Local universities

Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University offer R&D partnerships, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, and access to research centres.

Regional colleges

Northern Ireland regional colleges offer businesses access to technical support, innovation hubs, and skills development. Find out more about what they do below:

• Belfast Metropolitan College
• Southern Regional College
• South Eastern Regional College (SERC)
• South West College
• Northern Regional College
• North West Regional College (NWRC)

Catalyst

Catalyst provides mentorship, accelerators, and investor access through initiatives like Invent, the Co-Founders programme and Springboard. See Catalyst support.

Collaborative networks, innovation hubs and clusters

• Digital Catapult Northern Ireland: Focuses on accelerating the adoption of advanced digital technologies, fostering innovation in sectors like manufacturing and creative industries.
• Manufacturing Northern Ireland: Advocates for the manufacturing sector, providing support and resources to enhance competitiveness and innovation.
• Northern Ireland Advanced Composites and Engineering Centre (NIACE): Serves as a hub for advanced engineering and composite materials research, promoting collaboration between industry and academia.
• GEMX (Generating Engineering & Manufacturing Excellence): Focuses on enhancing engineering and manufacturing in the North West through collaboration, talent development, and innovation.
• MEGA (Manufacturing & Engineering Growth & Advancement): Supports manufacturing and engineering growth in Mid Ulster by addressing skills shortages and fostering industry collaboration.
• Made Smarter Innovation - Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH): Led by Ulster University, SMDH supports manufacturing SMEs to become more competitive by harnessing the power of data. The hub offers digital solutions, expert guidance, and funding to help business improve processes, save costs and reduce investment risks.

See also information on Northern Ireland science parks.

Local Enterprise Agencies

Northern Ireland has 27 Local Enterprise Agencies supporting SMEs with advice, mentoring, and workspace. Each agency serves specific areas, helping local businesses grow and innovate. Visit Enterprise Northern Ireland for a full list.

Matrix - the Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel

Matrix is a business-led expert panel advising on the commercial exploitation of R&D, science and technology. While it doesn't run specific support programmes for businesses, it produces reports to guide businesses, government, and academia.

Browse our Business Support Finder to learn about the support available. You can also review details of UK-wide support for innovation and R&D.

This page is a comprehensive guide to the funding landscape for innovation, research and development (R&D) in the UK. It covers key funding organisations, schemes, and types of support available to businesses, researchers, and innovators.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is the overarching body responsible for funding research and innovation in the UK. It consists of multiple Research Councils, including Innovate UK which focuses primarily on business innovation. Funding under UKRI typically supports:

Academic research

• Grants for universities and research institutions across various disciplines
• Fellowships and doctoral funding

Collaborative research

• Partnerships between academia, businesses, and other organisations
• Emphasis on fundamental and applied research with long-term societal impact

Specific Research Councils

• Grants to support sector-specific academic research and collaborative projects
• Funding varies by council and project

Small-scale or high-risk projects

• Programmes like New Horizons that prioritise early-stage, transformative ideas

Learn about the work UKRI is doing to support UK innovation. You can also use the UKRI Funding Finder to search for current funding opportunities.

Innovate UK

Innovate UK, part of UKRI, is the UK's national innovation agency. Its funding aims to help businesses commercialise their innovations and bring products and services to market. Key grants, funding and support programmes include:

Innovate UK Innovation Loans

• Purpose: Fund late-stage R&D projects with strong commercial potential
• Funding: £100,000 to £2 million, repayable over up to 10 years
• Eligibility: UK-registered SMEs with viable projects and repayment plans
• Details: Innovation Loans

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)

• Purpose: Link businesses with academia for innovation projects led by graduates
• Funding: Based on project needs
• Eligibility: Businesses partnering with UK academic or research institutions
• Details: KTP scheme

Innovate UK competitions

• Purpose: Fund sector-specific innovations in areas like health tech and digital solutions
• Funding: Varies per competition
• Eligibility: UK-registered businesses, including SMEs
• Details: Innovation Funding Service

Catalyst programmes

• Purpose: Stimulate innovation in key sectors like biomedical, energy and creative
• Funding: Varies - often similar to Smart Grants
• Eligibility: UK businesses collaborating with research organisations
• Details: Innovate UK Catalysts

Contracts for Innovation (formerly Small Business Research Initiative)

• Purpose: Fund innovative solutions to public sector challenges
• Funding: Varies by challenge and phase
• Eligibility: UK-registered businesses, including SMEs
• Details: Contracts for Innovation

Investor Partnership programme

• Purpose: Support high-growth SMEs with match funding
• Funding: Grant funding combined with private investment
• Eligibility: UK SMEs invited by approved investor partners
• Details: Investor Partnership

ICURe (Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research)

• Purpose: Help researchers turn academic innovations into market-ready solutions
• Funding: Varies by programme
• Eligibility: UK-based university researchers and their teams
• Details: ICURe

Several other Innovate UK programmes are worth noting, too. While they do not typically offer direct funding, they play a crucial role in helping businesses secure funding.

Innovate UK Business Connect (formerly Knowledge Transfer Network)

• Purpose: Connects businesses with partners and sector experts
• Funding: No direct funding
• Eligibility: UK businesses, researchers, and innovators
• Details: Innovate UK Business Connect

Innovate UK Business Growth (formerly Innovate UK EDGE)

• Purpose: Help SMEs scale and access new markets
• Funding: No direct funding
• Eligibility: UK-based SMEs with growth potential
• Details: Innovate UK Business Growth

The Catapult Network

• Purpose: Innovation hubs offering businesses access to advanced facilities and skills
• Focus areas: Advanced manufacturing, energy systems, digital technologies, and health
• Eligibility: Open to UK businesses in key sectors
• Details: Catapult Centres

ARIA (Advanced Research and Invention Agency)

Established in 2023, ARIA operates independently as a separate entity and is directly sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. ARIA funds high-risk, high-reward research, distinct from the broader innovation and research funding managed by UKRI and Innovate UK. Learn about ARIA's programmes.

R&D tax relief

The UK government offers significant R&D tax relief to businesses conducting qualifying R&D activities in the UK. This scheme can be critical for SMEs and larger businesses looking to reduce the costs associated with their innovation efforts. See more on R&D tax reliefs.

The British Business Bank

The British Business Bank helps smaller businesses access finance, co-investing with private investors through programmes like the Future Fund: Breakthrough. While some programmes focus on high-growth sectors like life sciences and clean technology, the Bank collaborates with regional partners to support innovation across various industries. Find out more about the British Business Bank.

Made Smarter

Made Smarter is a UK initiative that helps manufacturers adopt innovative digital technologies to improve productivity and competitiveness. It offers support through grants, expert advice, and training to assist businesses in integrating innovations like artificial intelligence, robotics, and data analytics into their operations. Read about Made Smarter Innovation.

International programmes

Global opportunities for innovation and R&D funding exist outside the UK through several key programmes:

Horizon Europe

• Purpose: Support collaborative research and innovation in Europe
• Funding: Varies by project and scope
• Eligibility: Open to UK and EU organisations, including businesses and academia

EUREKA Eurostars

• Purpose: Support international R&D collaboration led by innovative SMEs
• Funding: Varies by country
• Eligibility: Consortia with at least two entities from Eurostars countries

European Innovation Council (EIC) opportunities

• Purpose: Support breakthrough innovations with high growth potential
• Funding: Grants up to €2.5 million. Equity up to €15 million
• Eligibility: Open to SMEs, start-ups, and research teams in EU and associated countries

Read more about these, and other international programmes for R&D and innovation.

Regional development agencies

For businesses in Northern Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland provides advisory services and tailored R&D grants, innovation vouchers, and support for collaborative projects. Invest NI also offers two specialist support services to help businesses strengthen their R&D and innovation funding applications:

• Bid Review Service - provides expert feedback on draft R&D and innovation funding applications to improve quality and competitiveness before submission
• Innovation Funding Advisory Service - offers tailored advice to help businesses identify suitable innovation funding opportunities and develop stronger applications for national and international programmes

Find out more about R&D grants and support in Northern Ireland.

Scottish Enterprise and Business Wales provide similar support to businesses in Scotland and Wales, respectively.

Horizon Europe is the EU's flagship research and innovation programme, with €95.5 billion in funding from 2021 to 2027. It supports projects addressing global challenges such as:

• tackling climate change
• advancing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals
• driving technological innovation to boost competitiveness and growth

The programme offers funding and collaboration opportunities tailored to businesses of all sizes, including start-ups and SMEs.

What types of funding does Horizon Europe offer?

Horizon Europe funding is divided into work programmes focused on areas like climate, healthcare, and new technologies. Each outlines the projects they fund and how to apply. Businesses of all sizes, including start-ups, can get funding for activities like developing, testing, and scaling products. The amount depends on the call and project size.

How can Horizon Europe benefit my business?

Participation in Horizon Europe can help you secure funding, collaborate with leading European partners, and gain international visibility. It supports innovation, fosters networking, and opens pathways to new markets.

Is my business eligible for Horizon Europe funding?

Since 4 December 2023, most UK businesses, including SMEs and start-ups, can apply for Horizon Europe funding. Eligibility depends on the specific funding call. Many calls require at least three partners from different countries, but some, like the European Innovation Council Accelerator, are open to single applicants, especially SMEs.

Where can I find Horizon Europe funding opportunities?

Funding calls are published on the European Commission's Funding and Tenders Portal. This portal allows you to search for calls by topic, sector, or funding type. Once you find the right opportunity, you can:

• Get tailored advice - Contact the UK's Horizon Europe National Contact Points (NCPs) for free and impartial guidance.
• Build partnerships - Attend roadshows and brokerage events to connect with potential collaborators. You can also use online tools to find partners.

Many other resources and tools exist that can help guide your application process.

What support is available for Horizon Europe applicants?

The UK offers extensive support through NCPs and Innovate UK. These organisations give advice and guidance on funding calls, events and networking opportunities, proposal development, and administrative issues.

Potential Horizon Europe applicants can also access:

• up to £700 travel grants to help innovators attend R&D events in Europe
• monthly Horizon Europe Hour sessions to join informal discussions and expert Q&As

UK Research and Innovation offers guidance on applying for Horizon Europe funding.

Specific support for Northern Ireland businesses

Businesses in Northern Ireland can access additional support from Invest Northern Ireland to help strengthen their R&D and innovation funding applications:

• Bid Review Service - provides expert feedback on draft R&D and innovation funding applications to improve quality and competitiveness before submission
• Innovation Funding Advisory Service - offers tailored advice to help businesses identify suitable innovation funding opportunities and develop stronger applications for national and international programmes

Alternatively, you can reach out to Horizon Europe NI support contacts for expert advice and localised support for NI businesses.

If you're seeking funding for innovation projects beyond Horizon Europe, several programmes are available to UK businesses.

Eureka Network

Eureka Network supports international research and development (R&D) collaboration among businesses, universities, and researchers. Key initiatives include:

• Eurostars - aimed at SMEs to develop innovative products and technologies
• GlobalStars - facilitates partnerships with countries outside Europe

UK businesses are eligible to participate in Eureka Network programmes but eligibility varies depending on the specific initiative. Find out more: Eureka Network.

European Innovation Council (EIC)

Part of Horizon Europe, the EIC operates as a standalone programme supporting breakthrough innovations. Funding streams include:

• EIC Accelerator - offers grants and equity for SMEs and start-ups
• EIC Pathfinder - funds early-stage, high-risk research
• EIC Transition - assists projects moving from research to commercialisation

UK businesses are eligible for some EIC funding under the Horizon Europe association agreement, such as the EIC Accelerator. Find out more: European Innovation Council.

Digital Europe Programme

This programme boosts Europe’s digital capabilities by funding projects in AI, cyber security, supercomputing, and digital skills. UK businesses aren’t eligible for funding but may collaborate with eligible organisations. Find out more: Digital Europe Programme.

LIFE Programme

The LIFE Programme funds green innovation, renewable energy, and sustainability projects. UK businesses can join as partners in EU-led projects but may face restrictions on leading or receiving direct funding. Find out more: LIFE Programme.

COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology)

COST supports research networks with funding for workshops, training, and events. UK researchers and innovators can fully participate as the UK remains a full member. Find out more: COST.

Euratom Research and Training Programme

Euratom funds nuclear research in areas like fusion energy, nuclear safety and radiation protection. The UK collaborates through associated arrangements, allowing participation in nuclear research and training. Find out more: Euratom Research Programme.

European Space Programme

The Space Programme supports innovation and tackles global challenges like climate change through space technologies that enhance daily life. UK businesses can join some parts of the programme, such as the Copernicus component. Find out more: EU Space Programme.

Each programme has its own eligibility rules and focus areas, so take the time to explore your options and find the best fit for your business goals.

Research and development (R&D) funding helps businesses invest in the development of new products, services or technologies. However, not all businesses will be eligible for an R&D grant. If you don't qualify for a grant, there are other ways to finance your research and innovation projects.

Alternative funding options for innovation and R&D

If you're unable to access government grants for R&D, other options for financing your innovation include:

Venture capital

You may be able to secure funding from private investors or venture capital firms in exchange for equity in your business. Learn more about venture capital.

Business loans

Traditional bank loans or government-backed loans (such as Innovate UK Innovation Loans or the British Business Bank) can help cover R&D costs. Read about getting a business loan.

Crowdfunding

Online platforms can help you raise money from a large pool of small investors. Crowdfunding is ideal for businesses with innovative products that may appeal to the public.

Industry-focused awards, competitions and challenges

Various sectoral organisations run innovation awards, competitions and challenges, some of which may offer cash prizes and support, as well as valuable exposure for your business. These organisations may be:

• charitable organisations - such as The Wellcome Trust
• professional bodies - such as The Institute of Physics
• academies promoting research in specific fields - eg The Royal Academy of Engineering
• independent organisations - like The Carbon Trust, Women In Business NI and more

Contracted initiatives

Many government departments contract businesses for work that addresses specific research challenges. A common way of delivering such contracts is through the Contracts for Innovation mechanism , formerly the Small Business Research Initiative.

Next step towards funding your innovation

If you haven't qualified for government R&D grants, don't give up. New challenges, competitions, and opportunities arise regularly, often with different eligibility criteria and scopes. Here are the key steps to take:

STEP 1: Contact a support organisation

Even if you don't qualify for their funding, these organisations may offer advice and other types of assistance, and signpost you to other sources of support. Reach out to:

• Invest Northern Ireland - Tel 0800 181 4422
• InterTradeIreland - Tel 028 3083 4100
• Innovate UK
• other funding bodies to get specific guidance

STEP 2: Stay updated

Check for new funding opportunities regularly:

• Use the Innovation Funding Service on GOV.UK to find details on different UK government-run funding programmes.
• You can also browse our Business Support Finder to learn about the specific support available in Northern Ireland.
• Finally, you can search the British Council Euraxess database to find funding opportunities. You can filter these based on location, discipline and the type of funding.

On other pages of this guide, you can also review R&D grants and support in Northern Ireland and read details on UK-wide support for innovation and R&D. Information is available elsewhere on this site regarding R&D tax credits.

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.