Collaborative working

Strengthen your business, raise its profile and open up a world of new opportunities. How?

By collaborating with other businesses and organisations within and outside Northern Ireland.

We can link your business with other businesses, colleges, universities or organisations so that you can explore ways to exploit new market or research opportunities. We run workshops about collaborative working and can signpost you to further sources of advice and assistance.

Case study | Find out how Sea-Source from Kilkeel have benefitted from the Collaborative Network


We can help you access the following collaborative opportunities:

Horizon Europe

The Horizon 2020 Programme is the main source of European funding for research and innovation. If you’re a UK-based researcher or innovative business, you can apply to most Horizon Europe funding opportunities on the same terms as EU-based applicants. Collaborative projects require the involvement of partners from other EU Member States and involve a competitive process.. Invest NI can also offer funding towards the costs of making an application if you meet the eligibility criteria. Find out more about Horizon Europe

Innovate UK

Innovate UK offers a range of opportunities for collaborative R&D through a competition based approach. We can keep you informed on new opportunities, help your business identify the most appropriate competition for your business, find the right partners and offer comprehensive guidance on the application process. We can also offer funding towards the costs of making an application if you meet certain eligibility criteria. Find out more about Innovate UK

Innovate UK Edge

Innovate UK EDGE, is the UK innovation agency’s resource for innovative SMEs from any sector which are ambitious to grow and scale.
 

It can help ambitious businesses:

  • Implement effective innovation management processes
  • Access funding and finance 
  • Enter new markets
  • Accelerate growth
  • Achieve rapid commercialisation and scaling

Find out more at the Innovate UK Edge website.

Collaborative Growth Programme

We can help to link your business with other private sector businesses, investors, researchers and academia so that you can explore ways to exploit market or research opportunities that will result in the development of new products, processes and services. Find out more about the Collaborative Growth programme

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

If you have an innovative project that could benefit from university-based research and knowledge and a graduate to help you deliver it, you should talk to us about this programme. Find out more about the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme

Innovation Vouchers

An Innovation Voucher worth £5,000 provides funding to small and medium sized businesses to work with an expert Knowledge Provider from a University, College or other Public Sector Research Body bringing new knowledge to help businesses innovate, develop and grow.

Typical projects we support include:

  • Ideas for new or improved products, processes and services
  • Access to information and expertise on new materials
  • Tapping into research and scientific expertise

Find out more about Innovation Vouchers


Not sure that this support is right for you? Contact us and we can explore options for your business together.

Our support may be subject to some eligibility criteria.


Contact our
Business support team
0800 181 4422
or
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Ambition to Grow

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