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How does Innovate UK support business innovation across the UK?
Invest NI is a proud partner of Innovate UK which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Innovate UK is the UK’s national innovation agency and supports business-led innovation in all sectors, technologies and UK regions. It helps businesses grow through the development and commercialisation of new products, processes, and services, supported by an outstanding innovation ecosystem that is agile, inclusive, and easy to navigate.
Explore and apply for funding for innovation projects on gov.uk
How can Invest NI help you access Innovate UK opportunities?
Invest NI’s innovation advisors can support you to assess the suitability of Innovate UK opportunities for your business. We provide advice on the Innovate UK application process to all businesses. Eligible businesses may also apply for financial assistance to develop an application to Innovate UK.
Innovate UK Manager
Paul Malcomson is the Innovate UK Manager for Northern Ireland. Paul works closely with Invest Northern Ireland to build coherence between national economic plans, local industrial strategies and UK government’s innovation strategy.
Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a collaboration between a business, a skilled graduate, and an academic institution, aimed at fostering innovation and business growth. Businesses can benefit from fresh talent and academic expertise, while graduates gain valuable project experience and often secure permanent roles. Funded by Innovate UK and Invest NI, KTP projects typically span two years, with funding covering up to two-thirds of the costs. Both Technical and Management KTP programs are available, tailored to specific project needs.
Find out more about the Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme
Innovate UK Business Growth
Innovate UK Business Growth is the agency’s resource for empowering innovation – driven businesses to grow and scale. It is a publicly-funded service available to all high potential small to medium sized innovation-driven companies, including Innovate UK grant winners.
Find out more about Innovate UK Business Growth in Northern Ireland
Innovate UK Business Connect
Innovate UK Business Connect bring together ideas, people and communities to respond to societal, environmental and economic challenges and drive positive change through innovation. Sector specific experts can offer support to build networks and apply for IUK grants.
Northern Ireland Life and Health Sciences Launchpad
The Northern Ireland Life and Health Sciences Launchpad is a £7.5 million fund which Innovate UK has ringfenced for life and health sciences projects in Northern Ireland. The aim is to accelerate life and health science innovation projects led by businesses, with the impact generating economic growth in the life sciences innovation cluster centred in Northern Ireland.
The application window is currently closed.
Find out more about the Northern Ireland Life and Health Sciences Launchpad
Discover more
Watch our case studies on how Innovate UK has helped Northern Ireland business grow.
Contact us
If you are interested in finding out more about Innovate UK, contact our Business Support Team on 0800 181 4422 or complete the enquiry form.