Support for innovation driven start-ups
- Funding
- Contact funder
- Deadline
- Check with the funder
- Location
- Northern Ireland
- Applications
- Check the current application window with the funder
Overview
Invest Northern Ireland funds innovation-driven start-ups in Northern Ireland through a package of programmes, including the Business Innovation Grant (BIG) of up to £20,000 for sole traders, micro-businesses and SMEs. Invest NI calls the target companies Start-Up Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDEs): young, early-stage firms led by ambitious founder teams. Founder Labs is an accelerator for high-potential tech founders. It runs six months of mentoring, global study visits and investor pitching. The Founder Labs Pre-Accelerator is an 8-week programme of workshops, 1:1 mentoring and network access for early-stage tech founders. The funder gives no deadline. Some wider support is open to any Northern Ireland business that meets the eligibility criteria. Other programmes are only for Invest NI clients. To find out which option fits, call the Business Support Team on 0800 181 4422 or use the enquiry form on the Invest NI page.
Requirements to check
Key requirements:
- Support is for early-stage, innovation-driven companies in Northern Ireland
- Founder Labs and the Founder Labs Pre-Accelerator are for tech-based founders
- The Business Innovation Grant offers up to £20,000 to sole traders, micro-businesses and SMEs
- Some support programmes are only available to Invest Northern Ireland clients
Who it is for
- Young, early-stage companies in Northern Ireland led by ambitious founder teams
- Companies developing new innovative products or services
- Companies using existing technology to disrupt a traditional industry
- Tech-based founders, for Founder Labs and the Pre-Accelerator
- Sole traders, micro-businesses and SMEs, for the Business Innovation Grant
Who it is not for
- Non-clients, for programmes limited to Invest Northern Ireland clients
This support is for young, early-stage companies in Northern Ireland led by ambitious founder teams. Your company should be developing innovative products or services, or using existing technology to disrupt a traditional industry, with the drive and capability to succeed globally. Founder Labs and the Pre-Accelerator are for tech-based founders. The Business Innovation Grant is open to sole traders, micro-businesses and SMEs. Some wider support is open to any business in Northern Ireland that meets the eligibility criteria, but some programmes are only for Invest Northern Ireland clients.
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
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Start freeWho is this for?
Ambitious founder teams running young, innovation-driven companies in Northern Ireland with global growth potential.
Regions
No published award history for Invest Northern Ireland. Some funders do not publish their grants data.
Full details from Invest Northern Ireland
Support for innovation driven start-ups
How to apply
Start by contacting Invest Northern Ireland's Business Support Team on 0800 181 4422. You can also complete the enquiry form on the support for innovation-driven start-ups page. The form asks for your name, email address, telephone number, postcode and a short enquiry. The team can give you more information on support for start-up innovation driven enterprises.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I get from the Invest NI Business Innovation Grant?
The Business Innovation Grant offers a grant of up to £20,000. It is for sole traders, micro-businesses and SMEs to develop and bring their innovation activities to market.
Who can join Invest NI Founder Labs?
Founder Labs is an accelerator for high-potential tech IDE founders in Northern Ireland. It offers six months of mentoring, global study visits and investor pitching.
Do I need to be an Invest Northern Ireland client to get start-up support?
Some support is open to any Northern Ireland business that meets the eligibility criteria. Some programmes are only available to Invest Northern Ireland clients.
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Create free accountLast updated: 9 November 2026