Grant for R&D

About our R&D support

Investing in R&D helps improve productivity, develop new or better products, and boost sales, profit and competitiveness. Our Grant for R&D support can help develop your idea into a successful product, process or service ready for commercialisation. Preparation is key. You should identify all costs, anticipate financial and technical challenges, and demonstrate a clear commercial benefit for your business. A Grant for R&D offers both advice and financial support to help you implement that planning.

What benefits are there from Grant for R&D support?

Benefits include:

Expert Advice: receive support to plan your R&D project and prepare an application
Collaboration: access advice form businesses, universities and research institutions
Grant funding of eligible costs: Includes internal labour, consultancy, subcontracting, materials, equipment, IP (SMEs only), trials & testing , plus a 15% overhead on labour costs HMRC R&D tax credits may also be available for your supported project. Speak to your accountant or tax advisor or visit HMRC’s online information. Combining Invest NI Support with Tax Credits can result in every £1 invested in R&D costing a business just 38p.

Who is eligible for Grant for R&D support?

Grant for R&D support is only available to Invest Northern Ireland clients. If you would like more information on becoming a client, see How we support business.

How to apply

To apply you can contact your Client Executive. We will only accept an application if:

You have discussed your proposed project with an Invest NI representative, and
You have been issued with a Grant for R&D application form with an individual reference number.

If both these conditions are not met, applications will be returned to you. Contact us through the form below.

Contact us

If you are interested in Grant for R&D support, contact our Business Support Team on 0800 181 4422 or complete the enquiry form.