Business growth through collaboration

A range of support is available for Northern Ireland businesses that are looking to collaborate with other companies, academia or research partners.

The support can be advisory or financial and it can help strengthen your business, raise its profile and open up new business opportunities within and outside Northern Ireland.

Collaborative Growth Programme

Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) runs a Collaborative Growth Programme offering support to SME-led networks that want to work together on innovative projects. Networks wishing to enquire about the programme should consist of a minimum of four Northern Ireland SMEs. At least one of the participating businesses must be an Invest NI customer and be prepared to make the application on behalf of the group.

Innovation Vouchers

Innovation Vouchers enable small businesses to work with expert knowledge providers (such as universities and colleges) to develop innovative solutions to business issues. The voucher is worth up to £5,000. Invest NI typically hold four Innovation Vouchers calls per year.

Innovate UK

Innovate UK delivers numerous programmes, including funding competitions, to enable individual businesses and groups to pursue research and innovation opportunities. Some Innovate UK competitions are only open to collaborative projects led by UK-based companies. Search Innovate UK competitions.

Innovate UK Business Growth

Innovate UK Business Growth, formerly known as Innovate UK EDGE, supports and advises businesses across the UK. Through participation in this programme, businesses can find collaboration partners, access R&D funding, and improve their presence in new markets. Innovate UK Business Growth regional team in Northern Ireland operates out of Invest NI, offering bespoke support to ambitious and innovative businesses wanting to grow and scale. Find out about Innovate UK support in Northern Ireland.

Innovate UK Business Connect

Innovate UK Business Connect, previously Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Network, can help you connect with experts outside your usual networks and industry, and link with academics, government and funding opportunities. The programme supports a diverse range of UK industries, including agrifood, creative industries, manufacturing, transport and more. Read about the work of Innovate UK Business Connect.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a three-way partnership between a business, an academic institution and a qualified graduate delivering a project lasting about two years. Innovate UK and Invest NI fund the scheme in Northern Ireland. They partner businesses and graduates, matching project requirements with management or technical skills and academic disciplines. Find out more about the KTP scheme.

Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe is the main source of European funding for collaborative research and innovation. Invest NI can help Northern Ireland businesses find Horizon collaboration partners and opportunities, and understand if they meet the criteria for application. Find out more about Horizon Europe support in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Contact Point network is another resource available to all potential applicants from NI who are interested in engaging with Horizon Europe. More information and contact details are available via the Horizon Europe NI website. 

Catapult centres

Catapults are not-for-profit, independent technology and innovation centres that connect businesses with the UK's research and academic communities. Each specialises in a different area of technology, and offers facilities and expertise to enable businesses and researchers to solve key problems together and develop new products and services on a commercial scale. Find out more about Catapults.

Competence centres

Competence centres bring together universities, research institutes and innovative businesses to carry out strategic collaborative research in areas with a direct industrial focus. Any NI-based business that wants to collaborate in applied research at a reduced cost can get involved. Centres that currently operate in NI include connected health, sustainable energy and agri-food.

Innovation Boost programme

Previously known as Fusion, InterTradeIreland's Innovation Boost programme helps to fund a high calibre science, engineering or technology graduate and partner you with a third-level institution with specific expertise. The graduate is employed by you and is based in your company throughout the project with mentoring from the academic partner and InterTradeIreland Innovation Boost consultant.

Synergy programme

Synergy is another InterTradeIreland programme designed to increase SME participation in innovative networks of entrepreneurs, academics, policy makers, corporates and third sector participants. It aims to scale cross-border collaboration, using cluster and network development supports to increase the impact of programmes with economic benefit to Ireland and Northern Ireland. Find out more about Synergy.