The Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF) is a mechanism to provide capital funding only. It does not upskill and educate potential applicants on the technologies to be funded or processes required to implement emerging technologies. Applicants can contact the support organisations below who may be able to help further.
DTFF complements the wide range of digital transformation and innovation programme supports already available for small or micro businesses in NI.
The fund has the unique potential to connect and enable collaboration both within and beyond its existing Council partnership structure. As a capital fund DTFF can complement a spectrum of digital innovation/transformation activities operating across Northern Ireland.
Support from Further Education:
Applicants / businesses can go to any College across Northern Ireland for support.
Belfast Met
| Technologies and Expertise | Pre-DTFF Support Offered | Post DTFF Support Offered | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence Blockchain Cloud Technologies Cyber Security Data Analysis Database Technologies Internet of Things (IoT) Machine Learning Robotic Process Automation Software Programming Immersive Technologies Programmable Controllers | Assistance Support in scoping digital transformation project Upskilling to support innovation projects Proof of concept, research or testing of technologies through Innovation Voucher | Assistance with technologies Support in scoping digital transformation project Upskilling to support innovation projects Proof of concept, research or testing of technologies through Innovation Voucher | Businessdevelopment @belfastmet.ac.uk |
Northern Regional College
| Technologies and Expertise | Pre-DTFF Support Offered | Post DTFF Support Offered | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet of Things (IoT) Robotics Immersive (AR/VR) Artificial Intelligence Data Analytics | Innovation Voucher (R&D) Connected R&D and Application Assistance | Follow up or Innovate US to bed in equipment and processes. Bespoke Training / Upskilling, Funded and Accredited training. | Alan Reid [email protected] |
North West Regional College
| Technologies and Expertise | Pre-DTFF Support Offered | Post DTFF Support Offered | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet of things & electronics: Support IoT in Navigation, Smart Homes, Transportation, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare. Electronics support. | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | [email protected] |
| Industrial Automation | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | [email protected] |
| Robotics and Cobotics | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | [email protected] |
| Augmented Reality: Support with VR Workplace, Tourism , healthcare, navigation, safety, retail. | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | [email protected] |
| 3600 video production including 360 videos, stereoscopic videos, 4K and UHD, drone footage, interactive videos and post processing. | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | [email protected] |
| Artificial Intelligence | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | [email protected] |
| Process Digitalisation | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | [email protected] |
| Product design & additive manufacturing | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | [email protected] |
| Cloud solutions including security | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | [email protected] |
| Games design & gamification. Support videogame development, 3D design and interactive visualisations. Motion Capture. | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | [email protected] |
| Software and Web App Development, App Development, Full Stack Development, Databases, Data and Analytics | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | Initial scoping via Connected. Upskilling via InnovateUs mentoring & Skills Focus courses. Consultancy via Invest NI Innovation Vouchers. Longer term R&D projects via KTP | [email protected] |
South Eastern Regional College
| Technologies and Expertise | Pre-DTFF Support Offered | Post DTFF Support Offered | Contact Details |
| CAD | InnovateUs/Innovation Voucher | All college provision will be available to support businesses post DTFF. Projects could be completed with the support of funding such as Innovation Vouchers, InnovateUs, KTP, Skill Up, Skills Focus and Innovation Boost. | [email protected] |
| CAM | InnovateUs/Innovation Voucher | ||
| CNC | InnovateUs/Innovation Voucher | ||
| SIEMENS Mechatronics | Skills Focus or Skill Up | ||
| Digital Marketing | Skill Up | ||
| Cyber Security | Skill Up | ||
| Data Analytics | Skill Up | ||
| Website Design | Skills Focus | ||
| Website Software | Skill Up | ||
| JavaScript | Skill Up | ||
| C# | Skill Up | ||
| SEO | InnovateUs | ||
| E Commerce Integration | InnovateUs | ||
| Content Creation | InnovateUs | ||
| Email Marketing Management | InnoavteUs | ||
| MS Office | Skill Focus | ||
| Videography | InnovateUs | ||
| Image Editing | InnovateUs | ||
| CRM Implementation | InnovateUs/Innovation Voucher | ||
| Computerised Accounts | Skill Up | ||
| Software Integration | InnovateUs/Innovation Voucher/Innovation Boost |
Southern Regional College
| Technologies and Expertise | Pre-DTFF Support Offered | Post DTFF Support Offered | Contact Details |
| IOT and wireless networking in production spaces. Facilitating secure remote working. | Alignment with InnovateUS, Innovation Boost. Support on Application and hardware requirements | Feedback to Innovation and Technology Specialist Team members | Mark Gillespie [email protected] |
| Robotics / Cobotics and Automation | Alignment with Innovation Boost and SRC Mechatronics Dept. Support on Application and hardware requirements | Courses for Industry available through SRC, can provide real-world examples of use of robotics etc Access to Engineering team, using robotics/cobotics for production | James Donnelly [email protected] Ryan Mann [email protected] Mark Gillespie [email protected] |
| Data analytics with web and ecommerce and using this data to direct marketing and advertising campaigns | Support on application in alignment with InnovateUs, Innovation Boost Support on Application and software requirements | Feedback to curriculum team and innovation specialist teams. | Mark Gillespie [email protected] |
| Using data to improve operational efficiencies | Support on Application and software requirements and data gathering techniques | Strategic planning and process optimisation in college, office and industry settings | James Donnelly [email protected] Ryan Mann [email protected] Mark Gillespie [email protected] |
| Business Improvement Techniques Trained (LEAN) | SRC Upskilling, multiple team members trained in this area. Development of processes within college and industry. Can provide support in office or manufacturing settings. Support on Application and hardware requirements | Promoting continuous improvement in work areas | James Donnelly [email protected] Ryan Mann [email protected] Mark Gillespie [email protected] |
| Use of AR and VR to visualise products and promote tourism locations. Some problem solving through AR. | Aligned with InnovateUs Support on Application and hardware & software requirements | Feedback to innovation team and curriculum | Kieran Swail [email protected] Cathal McDonnell Mark Gillespie |
South West Region College
| Technologies and Expertise | Pre-DTFF Support Offered | Post DTFF Support Offered | Contact Details | |
| IoT & LoraWAN Data Analytics AI – ChatGPT | InnovateUs Programme/Innovation Vouchers | Innovate us | [email protected] | |
| Provision of digital 3d cad design for manufacture services | InnovateUs Programme/Innovation Vouchers | Innovate us | [email protected] | |
| Software development,AI Chatbots | InnovateUs Programme/Innovation Vouchers | Innovate us | [email protected] | |
| Product Visualization | InnovateUs Programme/Innovation Vouchers | Innovate us | [email protected] | |
| Big Data & Data Analytics | InnovateUs Programme/Innovation Vouchers | Innovate us | [email protected] | |
| Product Visualisation | InnovateUs Programme/Innovation Vouchers | Innovate us | [email protected] | |
| Immersive Technologies | InnovateUs Programme/Innovation Vouchers | Innovate us | [email protected] | |
Support from Higher Education
Queens University Belfast – Digital Transformation Toolbox
The Digital Transformation Toolbox encourages a mind-set change – assisting you to understand, explore and reflect on a range of potential technologies that could create value for your business. Skills and tools are covered to equip you with the know-how and confidence to take the next step and implement new technology. Examples of technologies covered on the course include artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) Blockchain and 3D printing. An interactive experience is provided to highlight how various technologies are implemented in practice.
Find out more here: Digital Transformation Toolbox | William J Clinton Leadership Institute | Queen’s University Belfast
University of Ulster – Smart Manufacturing Data Hub
The Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH) supports small and medium-sized manufacturers to become more competitive by harnessing the power of data.
Digital solutions, expert guidance and funding are available to companies through the hub, allowing them to explore and evaluate their processes, make operational savings, de-risk investments and become more digital savvy.
Find out more here: SMDH
Queens University Belfast (BRCD) – Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC)
AMIC is an industry led, open access manufacturing & engineering innovation centre with state of the art facilities and an expert engineering team, underpinned by academic excellence.
AMIC operates and maintains a fleet of industrial robots and cobotic working environments
- Over 55 years in deploying automation
solutions - Leaders in factory and process simulation
- Discrete Event Simulation
- Factory layout
- Process cost modelling
- Expertise in manufacturing analytics
underpinning process digital twins
AMIC can:
- Support the development of your Digital Transformation Plan
- Simulate future robotic and automation solutions
- Advise on Industry 4.0 technologies
Contact: Conor Quinn, Business Alliance Manager, 028 9097 5597, [email protected]
Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) | About | Queen’s University Belfast (qub.ac.uk)
William J. Clinton Leadership Institute at Queen’s Business School (QUB)
Are you ready to drive innovation, strategic change, and transform your business?
The William J. Clinton Leadership Institute has just released fully funded places on our executive courses! As part of the QUB Bright Minds Skill Up flexible skills initiative, we’re offering a limited number of free places in Advanced Manufacturing, Leadership & Management, Sustainability and Digital Skills this autumn.
The Bright Minds Skill Up initiative is designed to provide additional upskilling and reskilling opportunities, focusing on supporting individuals to engage in learning and enhance the skills profile of our local NI workforce.
Our short executive courses offer you the chance to:
-Boost Leadership Acumen
-Acquire Knowledge about data and digital technologies.
-Lead Innovation
-Strategize for Success
If you are resident and settled in Northern Ireland and thinking about reskilling and upskilling, take the next step and enrol on one of our funded Executive education courses. Eligibility criteria applies.
Check out the SKILL UP range of courses at the Clinton Leadership Institute through the link below:
👉 https://bit.ly/4dmvgCG
Support from Local Authorities
Go Succeed NI Business Support
Go Succeed is the new go-to source for expert business advice led by Northern Ireland’s eleven local councils. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur just starting out; are looking to grow your business; or are planning to scale up; our team of industry experts will provide tailored support and guidance to help you achieve your business goals.
For more information: Go Succeed – NI Business Support (go-succeed.com)
Antrim and Newtownabbey – Ask Mentoring Service
The ask Mentoring Programme is designed to support businesses in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. This initiative offers FREE access to expert advice, skills, and knowledge from specialist mentors across various fields. Whether you’re looking to innovate, streamline operations, or expand your market reach, our mentors are here to help!
📅 Programme Duration: Now live and running until June 2025.
Key Features:
🔹 Free Mentorship: Receive up to ten hours of expert mentoring at no cost.
🔹 Expert Advisers: Gain access to specialist mentors to help mentorship in a range of areas. From digital transformation to process,
immersive tech (AR/VR) to product development, marketing to finance and more!
🔹 Flexible Support: Enjoy tailored advice to meet the unique needs of your business.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to propel your business forward with guidance from industry experts.
Sign up today and take the first step towards achieving your business goals 🔗 https://brnw.ch/21wLGe0
DTFF – QUB Supporting Digital Transformation Webinar series (All Councils / FFNI)
This webinar series hosted by Queens University and the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund focuses on the 6 funded technologies under DTFF and how these can be implemented into your business.
These sessions have ended but you can watch pre-recordings of the webinars here: Supporting Digital Transformation Webinar Series – Digital Transformation Flexible Fund
Support from Key Partners
Innovate UK – Discover Digital Transformation Training Programme
Could you benefit from hands-on guidance and one-to-one mentoring on your digital journey with data science and AI experts?
Our Discover Digital Transformation training programme is designed with decision-makers in mind, and aims to help your business to explore digital, data-driven and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, help you to decide what’s right for your organisation and build an action plan to become digital-ready.
This training course is fully funded by the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme, so is free at the point of delivery.
Who is this for?
The programme is designed for businesses or organisations of any size in agriculture, creative industries, construction or transportation, who want to enhance their data and AI knowledge and begin the road to adoption. For example, but not limited to:
- Decision-makers
- Production managers
- Business analysts
- Business development managers
- Heads of operations
What will you gain?
During the courses, our specialists will help you enhance your understanding of why and how to implement AI.
We will equip you with a digital grounding, ready to take the next steps to revolutionise operational processes, boost productivity and initiate future growth, covering topics such as:
- How to improve data handling and quality in your organisation to begin the digital transformation process
- Understanding the different types of data analytics and show how they can be applied to industry challenges to provide productivity benefits to your business
- Assessing whether your business is ready to implement AI solutions and how to choose the right methods, tools or products
How does it work?
The programme consists of five sessions in key technology areas which can be taken individually as drop-in sessions or followed as an entire series. To access the sessions, you will need to register to the Hartree Centre Training Portal.
Series 1
Making data work for you – Tuesday 7 January 2025
AI applications in industry – Tuesday 14 January 2025
Modelling to aid decision making – Tuesday 21 January 2025
Why digital twins? – Tuesday 28 January 2025
Scalable platforms supporting digital transformation – Tuesday 4 February 2025
Series 2
Making data work for you – Thursday 1 May 2025
AI applications in industry – Thursday 8 May 2025
Modelling to aid decision making – Thursday 15 May 2025
Why digital twins? – Thursday 22 May 2025
Scalable platforms supporting digital transformation – Thursday 29 May 2025
Series 3
Making data work for you – Thursday 4 September 2025
AI applications in industry – Thursday 11 September 2025
Modelling to aid decision making – Thursday 18 September 2025
Why digital twins? – Thursday 25 September 2025
Scalable platforms supporting digital transformation – Thursday 2 October 2025
Series 4
Making data work for you – Monday 10 November 2025
AI applications in industry – Monday 17 November 2025
Modelling to aid decision making – Monday 24 November 2025
Why digital twins? – Monday 1 December 2025
Scalable platforms supporting digital transformation – Monday 8 December 2025
For more information please visit this link: Discover Digital Transformation Training Programme
Innovate NI
Innovate NI can help businesses create value from ideas to increase market share, survive business shocks, improve competitiveness and become successful innovators.
Successful Applicants to DTFF must complete an Innovation NI Assessment before funding claimed and drawn down. It is a mandatory requirement that this is completed once you sign your DTFF Letter of Offer.
Find out more here: Is your business innovating? | Innovate NI
NI Business Info
NI Business Info provides detailed and comprehensive guides on Industry 4.0 and the benefits of emerging technologies to small businesses.
Industry 4.0: What it means for your business | nibusinessinfo.co.uk
Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre
The Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) represents a £16.3 million investment by Invest Northern Ireland (INI) and the Department for the Economy NI (DfE) for a 5-year pilot project, up to 31st August 2028, to increase business awareness and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in a way that boosts competitiveness and productivity and positions Northern Ireland as a leader on the national and global AI stage.
The AICC is being led by Ulster University (UU) in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast’s (QUB) with bases at the UU Belfast and Derry/Londonderry campuses and at QUB. The provision of certified training and professional qualifications in AI will also be delivered through both Universities.
Vision:
The AICC seeks to Increase the Awareness and Adoption of Responsible AI Across the Northern Ireland Economy.
Goal
Leverage AI and Data Analytics to help Northern Ireland SME’s Reduce Costs, Increase Profits and Ensure Compliance.
Assistance Available:
Up to 20 Days of Fully Funded Data Science, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence support delivered through in-house Data Scientists and Applied Researchers with access to the AI research output of Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University.
Online and in person Skills Training in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science from Basic to Introduction, Intermediate, Advanced/Expert and Executive Leadership.
Fully Funded Postgraduate Scholarships in Artificial Intelligence, Computing and Advanced Manufacturing from Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University.
Signposting and guidance on accessing complementary programs, collaborative research and national / international funding opportunities.
Access to a world class AI Community.
Find out more here: Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (aicc.co)