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GrantNorthern Ireland

Invest NI Innovation Grant

Invest Northern Ireland

Description

Updated August 2026: Invest NI's current small-business innovation product is specifically the Business Innovation Grant (BIG), offering £5,000–£20,000 at up to 70% of eligible costs (30% business contribution) — a different amount/rate than previously recorded here. It helps Northern Ireland sole traders, micro-businesses and SMEs develop and commercialise a new or improved product, process, or service, with successful applicants entering the wider Innovate NI programme for ongoing advice and guidance. Invest NI periodically updates its specific grant products and rates, so it's worth speaking to a business advisor to confirm what's currently on offer for a larger R&D project.

Amount

Business Innovation Grant (BIG): £5,000–£20,000, covering up to 70% of eligible costs

Deadline

4 September 2026

Eligibility summary

  • Available in: Northern Ireland.
  • Applicant must be a registered business.
  • Most relevant to: Technology & Digital, Manufacturing, Research & Development.
Notes
Current product is the Business Innovation Grant (BIG): £5,000–£20,000 at up to 70% of eligible costs. The current call closes at 12 noon, Friday 4 September 2026 — check nibusinessinfo.co.uk/investni.com for the next call if that has passed. Larger R&D projects should speak to a business advisor about other Invest NI innovation products and current rates.

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How to apply

Apply online via Invest NI before the current call's deadline (12 noon, 4 September 2026); successful applicants join the Innovate NI programme for guidance.

View official source

Last verified: 19 August 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.