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Apply for pre-commercial grants for innovative business ideas

The Techstart Proof of Concept grant fund 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵs entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland by helping them explore the viability and commercial potential of innovative ideas.

There are two types of grants available:

• the Concept Grant, which offers up to £15,000
• the Concept Plus Grant, which offers up to £40,000

The funding can 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ a range of activities, including concept or prototype development, market research, market validation, market testing activities, and the assessment of intellectual property. Additionally, funding can cover employment costs where a clear output will be delivered.

Eligibility

To apply, you must be a sole trader, partnership, or limited company, and your business must be based in Northern Ireland. The principal applicant must also be a resident of Northern Ireland and, if applying through a limited company, must be the majority shareholder.

Key dates

The Concept Grant is currently closed, but applications for the Concept Plus Grant are open.

All eligible applicants will be invited to a pitch session with Techstart. Pitches for this round of applications will take place week commencing 15 September 2025. Decisions on your application will then be made.

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The Proof of Concept grant fund is 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵed by Invest Northern Ireland through its Access to Finance initiative.

First published 19 May 2025