Launchpad: life and health sciences, Northern Ireland – Rd3 MFA

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.