Northern Ireland innovation funding is on the rise - how can your business benefit?
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has released a report showing that Northern Ireland has seen a bigger percentage increase (43%) in investment in research projects than elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
Comparing the level of investment from 2021-22 to 2023-24, NI experienced the greatest proportional increase of any UK area. Total investment in the region increased from £61 million to £87 million over the same period.
UKRI invested over £9.1 billion in the UK’s research and innovation system in 2023-24, meaning NI businesses have access to a vast pool of untapped innovation funding opportunities.
Recent UKRI investments in NI include:
- - first established in 2009 as one of seven innovation and knowledge centres, it now comprises more than 125 companies employing approximately 2,750 cybersecurity professionals in the Belfast area, 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵing over £237 million gross value added to the Northern Ireland economy.
- is working towards a prosperous and sustainable future for Northern Ireland, a partnership bringing together business, academia, policymakers community and voluntary sector to tackle local challenges.
- creates advanced prototyping and smart manufacturing methods, leading to new technology - it has already attracted more than £20 million in private investment and early successes include a less invasive way to test for breast cancer.
- is building on Belfast’s maritime heritage to develop zero emissions hydrofoil ferries, helping to make Belfast Harbour one of the world’s most environmentally friendly regional ports. The project is expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs in the region over 10 years and boost the local economy by £129 million.
Find innovation 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ for your business
There is a range of resources to help your business on its innovation journey on the nibusinessinfo.co.uk website and with other local organisations.
Take an innovation assessment and get local 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ
Innovate NI helps businesses to create value from ideas to increase market share, survive business shocks, improve competitiveness and become successful innovators. .
Invest NI assists companies to grow, export and remain competitive through innovation by providing advice, financial 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ and online resources from a team of independent specialists. .
Apply for funding for business innovation
Do you have an innovation project that could lead to the development of a new or improved product, service, business model, or process? Will it create value in your business, produce new profits or help grow the business? If so, then an Innovation Voucher could help 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ this. .
As well as Invest NI, there are many grants, funding options, and incentives available to help businesses fund their innovation activities. Learn how to access the innovation funding you need to grow your business and stay ahead in a competitive market with our guide on innovation, research and development grants.
Innovate UK is the UK's innovation agency. It 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵs innovative ideas and business growth through competitive grant funding, loans or procurements. Find out how Innovate UK funding works, how to apply for Innovate UK funding and the categories of R&D 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵed by the agency.
You can search for financial assistance and advisory 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ for innovation and R&D, and many other business needs in our Business Support Finder.
Find guidance on innovation in your business
What is innovation and why should new and existing businesses innovate in order to increase their efficiency and profitability? See our guide on how to use innovation to start or grow your business.
Develop your idea into a viable business and create new products or services to meet customer needs. See our guide on how to research and develop ideas, new products and services.
Discover different ways to leverage research and development to improve products and services, and boost your business. See our 7 key advantages of R&D for small business.
Innovation is often integral to the process of starting up a company. Many new businesses develop around an innovative idea or a decision to bring a fresh business concept to the market. See our guide on setting up an innovation start-up.
Find more detailed guidance, resources and tools on innovation and R&D for your business.
See how other local businesses have innovated
Our case studies can help you see how other local businesses have overcome issues and successfully innovated their products, services and processes:
- Using robotics to increase efficiency in our business - NC Engineering
- Using digital innovation to benefit our business - GRAHAM Group
- Bringing a new product to market - Reynolds Hurling
- Getting a product to market - Babocush
- Finding 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ to develop our business - Shortcross Gin
- Using design to boost our sales - Mullins Ice Cream
- Securing IP protection in overseas markets - EcoDepo
- Using strategic partnerships to innovate and grow - NearyNógs Stoneground Chocolate
Keep up to date on innovation opportunities and events
Discover the latest innovation and R&D funding opportunities for Northern Ireland businesses with our monthly curated LinkedIn newsletter - .
You can search our Events Finder for innovation and R&D related training, workshops, networking, seminars and more from a variety of organisations - .
Our free monthly newsletter brings you business advice, local 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ, news and events, including the latest innovation news - sign up for our email newsletter today.
First published 14 April 2025