Overview
Innovate UK and Invest Northern Ireland are investing up to £1.2 million through the Launchpad: Life & Health Sciences Northern Ireland. The fund backs SME-led innovation projects that strengthen the NI life and health sciences cluster during and after the project, with HIRANI acting as the local cluster lead.
Scope
Projects must deliver new or improved products, services or processes in life and health sciences, and show how your innovation activity will grow within the NI cluster beyond the grant period. You must explain ongoing local impact and engagement with cluster actors such as HIRANI.
Key themes and topics
- Diagnostics, therapeutics and biomarkers: multi-omics, medical imaging, liquid biopsy, genetic testing, diagnostic or therapeutic development
- Data, digital and devices: point-of-care testing, wearable or ambient sensors, clinical decision support, AR, digital health, clinical trials tech
- Healthcare service innovation: productivity, integrated care platforms, remote rehab
- Enablers: AI and ML, quantum, advanced therapies, novel formulation or delivery, regulation and ethics, skills development
Project duration
- 6–12 months
- Start: from 1 April 2026 (projects must start on the first of a month)
- End: by 31 March 2027
Award value
- Grant request: £25,000–£100,000 per project
Funding rates
- Up to 100% of eligible project costs may be funded, capped at £100,000, subject to Minimal Financial Assistance (MFA) limits (£315,000 across the applicable 3-year period).
Eligibility criteria
- Lead: UK-registered SME with clear plans to grow innovation activity in the NI life and health sciences cluster and ambition for business growth.
- Location of work: all project work carried out in the UK with exploitation from or in the UK.
- Subcontractors: allowed, UK-based only.
- Applications per lead: one lead application per business.
- Timing: do not start before grant offer is approved. Only include eligible costs. Must meet MFA rules.
Why work with us?
At Kene, we make securing and managing grant funding simple, efficient, and effective. Whether you’re applying for funding, setting up a new project, or managing ongoing reporting, our services are tailored to support you throughout the entire process.
Our team of STEM qualified consultants and sector specialists bring a breadth of technical expertise gained from supporting our extensive SME client portfolio, across more than 17 industries. Our end-to-end approach ensures each project meets funding competition requirements while maximising the chances of success and ensuring smooth implementation.
We know what strong funding applications look like, and more importantly, how to make your project stand out.
Book a free consultation with our expert grant funding advisors today.
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