Learn about InnovateUs, including eligibility criteria, available skill areas and employer benefits.
Innovation Vouchers provide businesses with up to £10,000 of funded support to access specialist knowledge and expertise within Northern Regional College.
Projects can support new product or process development, advanced manufacturing, automation, digital technologies, AI, testing and other innovation challenges, providing an accessible way for businesses to explore and develop new ideas. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply at InvestNI.
InnovateUS helps Northern Ireland businesses with fewer than 50 employees develop the skills needed to introduce new technologies, processes and innovative ways of working.
Support is tailored to the individual business and can include automation and robotics, AI and digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, product development, process improvement, design and digital marketing.
Innovation Boost supports businesses to develop new products, processes and services through cross-border collaboration and specialist expertise.
Republic of Ireland businesses can partner with Northern Regional College as their Northern Ireland knowledge provider, accessing specialist mentoring and knowledge transfer. Projects can run for 12–18 months, with approximately half a day of specialist support each week.
Not sure where to start? Connected provides an opportunity to engage with Northern Regional College, explore your business needs and identify the expertise, training or funded programme best suited to your organisation.
It can be an ideal first step for businesses looking to improve productivity, develop workforce skills, adopt new technologies or explore an innovation opportunity.
SME Manufacturing and engineering businesses can access 35 hours of tailored mentoring and technical support to improve productivity and introduce new technologies and ways of working.
Support can include lean manufacturing and waste reduction, process improvement, digitalisation, automation and robotics, production efficiency and advanced manufacturing technologies. Projects are tailored around the specific needs and opportunities within each business.
For ambitious projects requiring longer-term support, a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) enables businesses to work with Northern Regional College on a strategic innovation project lasting 12–36 months.
Part-funded through Innovate UK, the programme provides a dedicated KTP Associate working within the business, supported by specialist expertise and regular mentoring from the College. KTPs can support projects in areas such as new product development, advanced manufacturing, automation, digital transformation, AI and productivity improvement.
If you have an idea, business challenge or innovative project that could be supported through any of the funded programmes above, get in touch with our Business Engagement Team.
We can discuss your needs, identify the most appropriate programme and help you take the next step.
Learn about InnovateUs, including eligibility criteria, available skill areas and employer benefits.
A Business Engagement Officer will discuss individual business needs and complete a brief skills audit. This will determine the duration of project, between 10-60 hours fully funded, and a unique, tailored plan will be created, implemented and delivered. This will enable company employees to innovate now and continue to innovate in the future as a consequence of training.
Registered Business (excludes charity or community groups)
Based in Northern Ireland
Less than 50 employees
Need to develop innovation best practice within the business
Robotics Automation
Software/AI Development
Product Development
Product Testing
Delivery is designed and developed to be tailored to your business
Training delivery is flexible (online, in house, at a College campus or via blended learning)
Increased innovation and growth within your business
Opportunity to develop innovation best practice to help both now and in the future
View our latest case studies
Discover how the InnovateUs programme supported Flossy Treats, a family-owned business from Ballymena.
Discover how Northern Regional College students and staff are making an impact.
Learn more how the InnovateUs programme helped Brocraft increase the quality of design work to develop their own range of stoves.
By developing their TIG welding capability, Campsie Radiator Specialists can now bring all manufacturing services in-house.
Through the support of our expert staff, DA Forgie has developed a stronger online presence which has assisted in an increase in eCommerce sales.
Working sheep farm, Glenshane Country Farm, launches eCommerce store and digitalises inventory management.