Grants
The Regional Innovation Challenge
Application Deadline
Closing date: 18th August 2026 5pm
Concept Grants of up to £15k awarded on a competitive basis via The Regional Innovation Challenge to enable founders to validate novel ideas, develop prototypes and progress towards commercialisation.
For the purposes of this competition, Northern Ireland has been divided into four regions, each aligned with specific council areas and supported by a local innovation hub. Applicants will be grouped by region, and shortlisted founders will pitch their idea to a panel, competing only against others in their region.
Funding Amount: £15K
Decisions announced: October 2026
Please note that if you have previously received a Techstart Proof of Concept Grant of up to £15k, you are not eligible to apply for this Regional Innovation Challenge.
Eligible Activities
Eligible activities for support include but are not limited to:
Concept/Prototype Development;
Market Research
Market Validation
Market Testing Activities
Assessment of uniqueness of IP
Own costs, where a clear output will be delivered.
Application Requirements
Find out more about the Regional Innovation Challenge and apply here
Applicants can apply as a Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company. Applications from Community Interest Companies and Social Enterprises will not be considered.
You (i.e. Sole Trader, Partnership, Limited Company) must have a novel concept.
The grants are provided through Techstart Ventures' Proof of Concept Grant Fund, which is funded by Invest Northern Ireland.
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