Nominations open for Regional Innovation Challenge (UK)

The focus areas of the programme include validating novel ideas, developing prototypes, progressing towards commercialisation, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling regional competition and pitching, encouraging scalable start-up development, and providing funding support for early-stage business concepts.

The Regional Innovation Challenge offers Concept Grants of up to £15,000 and Concept Plus Grants of up to £30,000. The Concept Grants are awarded competitively to help founders test and develop innovative ideas. Northern Ireland is divided into four regions, each aligned with specific council areas and supported by a local innovation hub. Applicants are grouped by region and shortlisted founders pitch their ideas to a panel, competing only within their region.

Applicants may apply as a sole trader, partnership, or limited company. Applications from Community Interest Companies and Social Enterprises are not eligible. Applicants must have a novel concept, and the principal applicant must be the founder. For limited companies, the principal applicant must be a director and majority or equal shareholder. Applicants must be resident in Northern Ireland, and limited companies must be registered there.

If applying for funding to cover own costs, the application must be made through a limited company. Independent third-party costs must be clearly outlined, and quotes provided where possible. Limited companies may use up to 30% of the grant for own costs at a set daily rate, with clearly defined work outputs required.

Applicants may not submit more than two unsuccessful applications within the current grant period from 2025 to 2030, regardless of entity or idea. Only one submission per application round is permitted. University-related companies are not eligible where a university holds ownership or intellectual property rights.

For more information, visit Techstart Grants.