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NRC Logo

At Northern Regional College, we understand the importance of innovation as a driving force behind business success. Through tailored programmes, expert guidance, and strategic partnerships, we empower businesses to embrace innovation by providing access to resources, training, and opportunities for collaboration. Whether through bespoke training programmes, industry-specific workshops, or facilitating connections with research institutions and funding bodies, we are committed to equipping businesses with the tools and support needed to cultivate a culture of innovation.

Innovation Vouchers

Innovation Vouchers

Innovation Vouchers offer you the chance to receive up to £5,000 in funding to collaborate with an expert from Northern Regional College, providing new knowledge to support your business in innovating, developing and growing.  Find out more about eligibility and how to apply at InvestNI.

InnovateUs

The focus of InnovateUs is to enable small businesses, with fewer than 50 employees, to acquire the skills necessary to engage in innovation and development activities. By gaining these skills, you can then undertake additional forms of innovation, which will contribute to your business's growth and development.

InnovateUs
Innovation Boost Programme

Innovation Boost Programme

The Innovate Boost Programme supports your business’s product development and innovation needs by helping fund a high-calibre project manager with expertise in science, engineering, or technology, while also partnering you with a specialist from the College or university.  Discover more at IntertradeIreland.

Connected

Connected is a Department for the Economy funded programme designed to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange between academia and small to medium businesses.

With access to a vast pool of talent, expertise, research capability and world class facilities, universities and colleges of Further Education in Northern Ireland want to get connected with local businesses to share their valuable resources.  Learn more and get connected today.

Connected

Questions Answered

Learn about InnovateUs, including eligibility criteria, available skill areas and employer benefits.

A Business Engagement Officer will discuss individual business needs and complete a brief skills audit. This will determine the duration of project, between 10-60 hours fully funded, and a unique, tailored plan will be created, implemented and delivered. This will enable company employees to innovate now and continue to innovate in the future as a consequence of training.

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Registered Business (excludes charity or community groups)

Registered Business (excludes charity or community groups)

Based in Northern Ireland

Based in Northern Ireland

Less than 50 employees

Less than 50 employees

Need to develop innovation best practice within the business

Need to develop innovation best practice within the business

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Robotics Automation

Robotics Automation

Software/AI Development

Software/AI Development

Product Development

Product Development

Product Testing

Product Testing

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Delivery is designed and developed to be tailored to your business

Delivery is designed and developed to be tailored to your business

Training delivery is flexible (online, in house, at a College campus or via blended learning)

Training delivery is flexible (online, in house, at a College campus or via blended learning)

Increased innovation and growth within your business

Increased innovation and growth within your business

Opportunity to develop innovation best practice to help both now and in the future

Opportunity to develop innovation best practice to help both now and in the future

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Further Information

Business Engagement Team

T. 028 2563 6221

Case Studies

View our latest case studies

Flossy Treats

Flossy Treats

Discover how the InnovateUs programme supported Flossy Treats, a family-owned business from Ballymena.

Bailey Architecture

Bailey Architecture

Discover how Northern Regional College students and staff are making an impact.

Brocraft Quality Metal Products

Brocraft Quality Metal Products

Learn more how the InnovateUs programme helped Brocraft increase the quality of design work to develop their own range of stoves.

Campsie Radiator Specialists

Campsie Radiator Specialists

By developing their TIG welding capability, Campsie Radiator Specialists can now bring all manufacturing services in-house.

DA Forgie

DA Forgie

Through the support of our expert staff, DA Forgie has developed a stronger online presence which has assisted in an increase in eCommerce sales.

Glenshane Country Farm

Glenshane Country Farm

Working sheep farm, Glenshane Country Farm, launches eCommerce store and digitalises inventory management.

How can we help

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