Invest NI has launched a Digital ICT Collaborative Network Call which will offer up to £250,000 funding to industry-led networks that would like support to co-ordinate and scope out innovative, collaborative projects.
Following on from the publication of the Matrix Digital ICT report, Invest NI has identified medium to long term market opportunities in the areas of Digital ICT, particularly aligned to the mega trends identified in the report – ageing population and wellness, smart infrastructure and urbanisation, the rise of the digital native, automation and the rise of machine learning, globalisation and economic shift.
Successful collaborations can bring significant benefits to each of the participants. These include:
- Increasing existing capabilities and knowledge
- Acquiring the know how to be innovative
- Entry to new export markets
- Developing niche value-added products
- Expanding their services or product offerings
- Be multidisciplinary and include cross-sectoral technology exploitation areas
- Include high technology and knowledge driven businesses
- Making their contribution to Northern Ireland’s economic performance
Collaborative networks must have at least four Northern Ireland private sector companies, of which one must be an Invest NI customer. Other network members may include local, national or international stakeholders.
The funding is aimed at Northern Ireland companies who wish to exploit collaborative opportunities in Digital ICT, who are ambitious to increase their expertise with a view to making an impact internationally. Particular areas may be:
- Big Data Analytics
- Software Engineering
- Cyber Security
- Internet of Things (IOT)
The closing date for applications is 29 June 2016. For more information visit the Invest NI website.