Cluster Acceleration Programme (CAP)

Cluster Acceleration Programme — Phase 1

Supports Northern Ireland small and medium enterprise-led cluster groups to test collaborative business models before entering growth phases.

⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.

The Cluster Acceleration Programme (CAP) Phase 1 2026 is an Invest Northern Ireland grant that funds SME networks to conduct feasibility studies and develop collaborative cluster business models. Phase 1 provides up to £55,000 per network, with applications open until 15:00 on Friday 5 June 2026. The programme is designed for business-led networks of a minimum of eight Northern Ireland SMEs, all aligned with the Department for the Economy's priority sectors and clusters. At least one network member must be an existing Invest NI customer who accepts the Letter of Offer on behalf of the network.

Large companies, universities, research organisations, and public sector bodies may participate as network members but may not serve as lead applicants — the lead must be an SME. Phase 1 delivers more than just funding: successful networks also gain access to best practice events, cluster manager training, networking sessions, and interactive workshops coordinated by Invest NI. Completion of a funded Phase 1 feasibility study is a mandatory prerequisite for entering Phase 2, which opens within 12 months of Phase 1 completion and offers up to £1,000,000 over a maximum five-year period for up to five emerging clusters — each requiring a minimum of 20 SMEs and entrepreneurs plus stakeholder organisations.

The two-phase structure means that Phase 1 applicants are not only competing for a £55,000 feasibility grant but also positioning themselves to access the substantially larger Phase 2 cluster development fund. Networks in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, agri-food, digital and AI, clean energy, and other Department for the Economy priority areas are best positioned. Prospective applicants with fewer than eight SME members should prioritise recruiting additional network participants before the 5 June 2026 deadline, as the minimum network size is a hard eligibility requirement.