Innovation Vouchers

Innovation Vouchers is Invest Northern Ireland's £5,000 support route for SMEs and social enterprises that need specialist knowledge from universities or colleges. The voucher pays the knowledge provider rather than giving cash to the business, and the funding is backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and administered through Innovate NI. The call windows run periodically rather than continuously, and the current call is closed. The scheme is open to small and medium enterprises in the UK operating in Northern Ireland, with knowledge providers limited to universities or colleges in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland. It is best suited to early-stage innovation work such as product, service, business model, or process improvement, especially where a company needs specialist technical input before a larger R&D bid. It does not cover business plans, marketing, or website development, and applicants must clear an Innovate NI Innovation Assessment before the voucher is issued.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.