Techstart Proof of Concept Grant Fund
A pre-commercial grant awarding fund, available on a competitive basis, that supports entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland exploring the viability and commercial potential of innovative concepts.
To apply for the Proof of Concept Grant Fund:
- you must be a sole trader, partnership or limited company
- the principal applicant must be resident in Northern Ireland, and if the principal applicant is applying through a limited company then the company must be registered in Northern Ireland, with the principal applicant being the majority shareholder in the limited Company (Techstart may ask for copy of a recent utility bill for proof of address)
Applications from community interest companies and social enterprises will not be considered.
If you are applying for a portion of the grant to cover the employment costs of people promoting the project, then the application must be made by a Limited Company. Up to 30% of the grant awarded is available to cover the employment costs of the people promoting the project with a set daily rate of £200. For these costs to be approved, your application must detail what work will be done during the proof of concept project under these costs and what the output will be. Administration time, project management time and similar overhead activities will not be eligible activities to be in the employment costs.
Applicants should ideally be teams. Your approach to the concept will balance between technology/product development and market-facing activities. Applicants can have no more than two unsuccessful applications, irrespective of the entity or the concept applied for.
The proposed supplier for third-party costs, if any, must be identified at the application stage. If your proposed supplier has provided you with a quotation, you should append it to your application form. Successful applicants must provide formal quotations from these suppliers before a letter of offer is issued.
University-related companies are not eligible to apply for a Techstart Grant where the University has ownership in the company and/or any associated intellectual property.
The concept development stage will focus on steps towards commercial exploitation/engagement with potential customers.
Potential applicants are advised to complete the Innovate NI Innovation Assessment to identify where they are on the NI Innovation Framework and to start receiving free support and guidance. The Innovate NI Assessment scoring will not impact Techstart's decision on your proposal.
Any successful recipients of a Techstart Proof of Concept Grant must complete the Innovate NI Assessment before receiving any grant money.
- Techstart