Support Pathways

Innovate+ gives SMEs access to fully funded support that helps businesses become more productive, more innovative and better prepared for future growth.

Our eight support pathways combine expert guidance with practical learning, helping you improve the way your business operates, adopt new technologies, strengthen your leadership and develop new opportunities.

Support is delivered through a mix of online and face-to-face sessions, making it accessible for businesses across Northern Ireland.

Each pathway focuses on real business challenges, giving you practical knowledge and tools you can apply with confidence.

All support through Innovate+ is fully funded and shaped around the needs of your business

  • Innovate+ Lead is designed for business owners, senior leaders and managers who want to strengthen their leadership skills and help their business grow.

    Delivered by the William J Clinton Leadership Institute at Queen's University Belfast, these fully funded programmes are available online and in person, giving you practical knowledge and tools you can apply in your organisation.

    Choose from three programmes:

    ·      Leading People and Productivity – build engaged teams and improve performance.

    ·      Digital Innovation and AI for Leaders – understand how digital technologies and AI can support your business.

    ·      Business Sustainability Essentials – develop practical approaches to building a more sustainable business.

  • Take the first step towards adopting digital technologies and AI with practical support from Ulster University.

    Innovate+ Discover gives SMEs access to a series of fully funded workshops, along with up to two days of one-to-one support from an innovation specialist. You'll explore new technologies, identify opportunities to improve productivity and gain practical ideas you can apply in your business.

  • Connect with skilled students and academic expertise to help move your business forward.

    Innovate+ Link gives SMEs the opportunity to work with Ulster University through undergraduate placements and postgraduate MSc projects. Whether you need fresh ideas, additional resource or support to tackle a business challenge, we'll help you access the right talent and expertise.

    Undergraduate Placements
    Further information coming soon.

    Postgraduate MSc Projects

    Further information coming soon. 

  • Looking to improve the way your business works or develop a new digital solution?

    Innovate+ Evolve gives SMEs up to 10 days of fully funded support from Ulster University experts to help develop AI and digital solutions, improve products and processes, and solve real business challenges.

  • Give your team the knowledge and confidence to tackle today's business challenges.

    Delivered by Atlantic Technological University, Innovate+ Masterclass offers a series of fully funded sessions led by experienced academics and industry professionals. Available online and in person, the sessions cover practical topics that can help your business improve and grow.

    Topics include:

    ·      Innovation

    ·      Design Thinking

    ·      Digital Marketing

    ·      ESG

    Each masterclass will help you identify practical actions and create a clear plan to put your learning into practice.

  • Turn ideas into action with practical, hands-on workshops.

    Designed for business owners, senior leaders and managers, Innovate+ Apply combines expert guidance with activity-based learning to help you develop solutions you can implement in your business.

    Delivered over two days by an academic and an industry specialist, workshops cover topics including:

    ·      Managing Talent

    ·      ESG

    ·      Innovation

    ·      Design Thinking

    ·      Digital Marketing

    You'll leave with a practical action plan and the confidence to introduce meaningful improvements in your business.

  • Bring fresh ideas into your business with a fully funded internship.

    Innovate+ Internship gives SMEs access to a sponsored intern for four or eight weeks to support a new product, service or process improvement project.

    You'll work alongside your intern with guidance from an academic mentor, helping you plan, deliver and evaluate your project. Additional specialist support is available where needed, ensuring you get the most from the placement.

  • Take your business idea further with support designed to help ambitious founders build, test and grow.

    Delivered by Catalyst as part of the High Potential Incubator, Innovate+ Incubator supports early-stage businesses with the knowledge, networks and practical guidance needed to turn innovative ideas into commercial opportunities.

    You'll work alongside experienced entrepreneurs, mentors and industry experts to refine your business model, strengthen your value proposition and build the confidence to take your next steps towards growth.

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