Ulster University Team

As part of the PEACEPLUS-funded Innovate+ project, Ulster University leads a suite of SME-focused innovation activities designed to accelerate digital transformation, AI adoption, and business growth across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. These activities are delivered through three complementary pathways: INNOVATE-Discover, INNOVATE-Link, and INNOVATE-Evolve.

INNOVATE-Discover

Building Awareness, Skills and Confidence in AI and Digital Technologies

INNOVATE-Discover provides SMEs with access to practical workshops and training programmes designed to increase awareness and understanding of emerging digital technologies.

    • Understand the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption.

    • Improve digital literacy and organisational readiness.

    • Explore technologies such as Generative AI, automation, data analytics, cloud computing, and digital transformation.

    • Learn from real-world case studies and industry examples.

    • Identify potential innovation opportunities within their organisation.

    • AI and digital transformation workshops.

    • Industry masterclasses and guest speaker events.

    • Technology awareness and demonstration sessions.

    • Networking opportunities with researchers, technology providers, and other SMEs.

     The objective is to help SMEs move from curiosity about technology towards informed decision-making and innovation planning.

INNOVATE-Link

Connecting SMEs with Student Talent and Innovation Capacity

INNOVATE-Link provides businesses with access to talented university students who work directly with SMEs on innovation-focused projects.

Through structured placements and industry challenges, students apply their academic knowledge to solve real business problems while gaining valuable industry experience.

    • Access new ideas and innovative thinking.

    • Explore new technologies with minimal risk.

    • Develop prototypes, feasibility studies, and proof-of-concept solutions.

    • Gain insights into AI, software development, data analytics, business intelligence, and digital transformation.

    • Process automation opportunities.

    • AI-enabled business solutions.

    • Data analysis and visualisation.

    • Customer engagement technologies.

    INNOVATE-Link acts as a bridge between academic expertise and industry needs, helping SMEs access innovation capacity that might otherwise be unavailable to them.

INNOVATE-Evolve

Supporting the Implementation and Adoption of AI and Digital Innovation

INNOVATE-Evolve is the most intensive support pathway and is designed for SMEs that are ready to move beyond exploration and begin implementing innovation projects.

Working alongside Ulster University researchers and technology specialists, businesses receive tailored support to develop and deploy AI and digital solutions that address specific organisational challenges.

INNOVATE-Evolve helps businesses transform ideas into practical innovation projects that create measurable economic and operational impact.

Together, these pathways create a progression route for SMEs, from discovering opportunities, to testing ideas, and ultimately embedding innovation within their organisation, helping businesses become more productive, competitive, and future-ready.

    • Identification of high-impact innovation opportunities.

    • Development of proof-of-concept systems.

    • Data analytics and machine learning applications.

    • Process automation and optimisation.

    • Technical mentoring and consultancy.

    • Guidance on responsible and ethical AI adoption.

    • Increased productivity and efficiency.

    • Enhanced decision-making through data.

    • New product or service development.

    • Improved customer experiences.

    • Greater competitiveness and resilience.

    • Sustainable growth through technology adoption.