Technical development support
Our Technical Development Incentive (TDI) is designed to encourage companies to engage in the innovation activities of product development, process improvement and the identification and protection of intellectual property.
TDI provides local SME’s with funding of up to £15,000 towards the cost of technical service providers (test-houses, product development consultants, certification bodies, IP specialists etc) to implement innovative solutions.
We can support 50% of the external provider’s costs for projects between £2,000 and £40,000*, if the project relates to intellectual property, support towards lower project costs may be eligible.
*a maximum grant will apply.
The proposed innovative solution must add value by increasing competitiveness.
Projects could include but are not limited to:
- Intellectual property (copyright, patents trademarks and design) protection & exploitation
- Product, service or process development, variation and improvement
- Management systems development & certification (such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, British Retail Consortium Global Food Safety Standard)
- Product and process approval and certification (for example CE Marking, Fire Certification)
Internal costs such as training, buying or hiring equipment, materials’ purchases or labour are not eligible for TDI support.
Who is eligible?
This support is only available to Invest NI clients who meet the EU definition of an SME, and may be subject to some eligibility criteria.
How to apply
Invest NI clients should speak to their Invest NI client executive or alternatively contact our business support team.
We accept TDI applications at any time.
Case study | Hear how Crossle Car Company benefited from the Technical Development Incentive
