Innovate NI Business Innovation Grant

Invest Northern Ireland / Innovate NI (UK Shared Prosperity Fund)

Stage

Idea / pre-product, MVP / early product, Early revenue

Location

Northern Ireland

Equity

No equity taken

Cost

Free (competitive)

Delivery

In-person

Any sector

Idea / pre-productMVP / early productEarly revenue

Competitive grant for Northern Ireland micro-businesses, sole traders and SMEs NOT currently Invest NI clients (and not in receipt of Invest NI grants in the last 5 years). Grants £5k–£20k at a 70% grant rate. Covers market research, product development, market entry, trade fairs, exhibitions. Successful applicants join Innovate NI's ongoing programme and receive an Innovation Recognition Certificate. Open to all sectors except primary agriculture. Rounds open periodically — most recent closed December 2025.

Why this programme

Raise funding

Non-dilutive £5k–£20k grant covering 70% of costs — for NI startups not yet in the Invest NI ecosystem; new rounds open periodically

Scale & grow

Non-dilutive grant funding to help Northern Ireland businesses invest in innovation and scale their capabilities

Interested in Innovate NI Business Innovation Grant?

Head to their website for current cohort dates and how to apply.

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