Innovation Vouchers
Innovation Vouchers are currently closed to applications. Funding calls open periodically and are dependent on programme availability. When a new call is announced, eligibility criteria, guidance and application details will be made available on this page.
How can a £10K Innovation Voucher benefit my business?
Up to £10K Innovation Vouchers allow businesses or potential entrepreneurs to get expertise from a public sector knowledge provider, such as a University or College (NI and ROI) for your innovation project.
Please note that this programme does not involve the payment of any funds directly to participating businesses.
Typical projects we support include:
- Expertise to help create or improve products, services, business models or processes
- Access to specialist expertise in new materials
- Tapping into research and scientific expertise
Activities that are not eligible include:
- Business plans, market research and financial planning
- Website and app related activity
- Marketing and sales activity
- Training courses
- Working with a private sector provider
- Businesses owned by Invest NI staff members
This list is not exhaustive.
Who is eligible for an innovation voucher?
Innovation vouchers are open to any business in Northern Ireland that meets the following criteria:
- Are a small enterprise, social enterprise or third sector organisation with less than 50 employees and either an annual turnover and/or annual balance sheet not exceeding €10 million
- Are a medium enterprise, social enterprise or third sector organisation with more than 50 employees but less than 250 employees, and either an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million or an annual balance sheet not exceeding €43 million
- Must not have received assistance through Invest NI’s Grant for R&D programme in the past five years
- Businesses must not be owned by Invest NI staff members
How to apply
Innovation Vouchers are currently closed to applications.
Find out more and apply here: Is your business innovating? | Innovate NI