The Regional Innovation Challenge

Techstart Ventures invites entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas to apply to the Regional Innovation Challenge, a Northern Ireland–wide grant competition designed to support founders at the earliest stage of development.

Proof of Concept Grants of up to £15k each available.
Multiple grants available per region.
Open to novel, early-stage business ideas.
Region-based competition structure delivered in partnership with local innovation hubs.
Supported by Northern Ireland councils.

Applications Open - Apply Now

Application Deadline - Tuesday 17th February 2026 at 5pm

About the Regional Innovation Challenge

Through the Regional Innovation Challenge Grant competition, applicants can apply for a Proof of Concept Grant of up to £15k to assess the viability and commercial potential of their novel business idea.

The Grants will be awarded under Techstart Ventures’ standard Proof of Concept Grant Fund, which is funded by Invest Northern Ireland.

For the purposes of the competition, Northern Ireland has been divided into four regions, each aligned with specific council areas and supported by a local innovation hub. Applicants will be grouped by region, and shortlisted founders will pitch their idea to a panel, competing only against others in their region.

Find Your Region

North - in partnership with The AMP

Derry City & Strabane District Council
Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council
Mid & East Antrim Borough Council
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council

West - in partnership with The Workhouse

Fermanagh & Omagh District Council
Mid Ulster District Council

South - in partnership with CIDO

Ards & North Down Borough Council
Lisburn & Castlereagh District Council
Newry, Mourne & Down District Council
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council

Belfast - in partnership with The Innovation Factory

Belfast City Council

How to apply

The Regional Innovation Challenge is now open for applications.

To Apply, simply complete our online Regional Innovation Challenge Grant Application Form (apply now) and submit your application by the Closing Date of Tuesday 17th February 2026 at 5pm.

After the closing date, Techstart will complete an eligibility check and review all applications. If shortlisted, you will be invited to pitch your business idea to a panel within your region.

Competition Schedule

Applications Open: Now
Application Deadline: Tuesday 17th February 2026 at 5pm
Shortlisted founders invited to pitch: Details provided after submission
Decisions announced: By April 2026

More Information & Eligibility

This competition operates under Techstart’s standard Proof of Concept Grant Terms and Conditions. For full details on eligibility, award criteria, and what the grant can be used for, please review Techstart’s FAQs

Please note:

If you have previously received a Techstart Proof of Concept Grant, you are not eligible to apply for this competition.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact us at grants@techstart.vc.