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)
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)
Support from Key Partners
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