Proof of Concept grants for novel business ideas

Grants for early-stage entrepreneurs

The Techstart Proof of Concept grant fund is a pre-commercial grant awarding fund. On a competitive basis, the fund supports entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland with grants to explore the viability and commercial potential of an innovative concept.

The grant funding comes in the form of a:

• concept grant of up to £10,000
• concept plus grant of up to £35,000

For both types of grant, eligible activities for support include but are not limited to:

• concept/prototype development
• market research
• market validation
• market testing activities
• assessment of the uniqueness of intellectual property
• employment costs where a clear output will be delivered

Eligibility criteria

To apply for grants, you must be a sole trader, partnership or limited company. You must also have an innovative/novel concept to prove.

The principal applicant must be resident in Northern Ireland. If the principal applicant is applying through a limited company, then the company must be registered in Northern Ireland with the principal applicant being the majority shareholder in the company.

How to apply

Potential applicants can book a 30 minute Zoom meeting with the Techstart Team to talk about their business idea and how to apply. 

The concept plus grant is currently closed for applications.

Find information on the Proof of Concept grants and apply via the application portal.

First published 14 November 2023