Digital Transformation Flexible Fund
Call 3 of the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF) is due to launch in June 2024.
The DTFF aims to help small and micro businesses in Northern Ireland to invest in advanced digital technologies. It establishes a grant fund to support eligible businesses with investments in capital equipment that is critical to achieving their digital transformation ambitions.
The focus of the fund is on innovative technologies, such as:
- smart environments and the Internet of Things
- simulation, process automation and additive manufacturing
- big data and analytics
- immersive technologies
- artificial intelligence and machine learning
- blockchain technologies and more
To be eligible, capital investments must enable business transformation rather than simply digitisation of existing business models or operations.
Funding is available between £5,000 and £20,000 for an investment project. If eligible, the grant can fund up to 70% of the cost of the total value of a project. Applicants must match-fund a minimum of 30% of the overall project costs.
Register for the DTFF pre-briefing sessions
Interested applicants should attend a pre-briefing session before submitting an expression of interest.
Online briefing sessions
| Online via MS Teams | Date | Time | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | 17 June 2024 | 2pm-4pm | Register |
| Session 2 | 27 June 2024 | midday-2pm | Register |
| Session 3 | 3 July 2024 | midday-2pm | Register |
In-person briefing sessions
Registration is not yet open for the in-person briefing sessions, but the schedule has been set as follows:
| Council Area | Date | Time | Venue | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council | 18 June 2024 | 9:30am-11am | Antrim Civic Centre, Steeple Suite, 50 Stiles Way, Antrim BT41 2UB | Links to follow |
| Ards and North Down Borough Council | 25 June 2024 | 2pm-3:30pm | Hamilton Hub, Mills Road, Bangor BT20 4LH | |
| Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council | 19 June 2024 | 10am-11:30am | Craigavon Centre, 66 Lakeview Road, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon BT64 1AL | |
| Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council | 18 June 2024 | 10am-11:30am | Civic Headquarters, Large Committee Room, Cloonavin, 66 Portstewart Road, Coleraine, BT52 1EY | |
| Derry City and Strabane District Council | 20 June 2024 | 11am-12:30pm | TBC | |
| Fermanagh and Omagh District Council | 19 June 2024 | 10am-11:30am | Omagh Enterprise Centre, Great Northern Road Omagh, BT78 5LU | |
| Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council | 27 June 2024 | 8:30am-10am | Chestnut Suite, Civic Centre Lagan Valley Island, 1 The Island, Lisburn BT27 4RL | |
| Mid and East Antrim Borough Council | 21 June 2024 | 9:30am-11am | Room Innovov 3, Ecos Visitor Centre, Kernohans Lane, Ballymena BT43 7QA | |
| Mid Ulster District Council | 20 June 2024 | 9:30am-11am | The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DN | |
| Newry, Mourne and Down District Council | 20 June 2024 | 9:30am-11am | Burrendale Hotel, 51 Castlewellan Road, Newcastle BT33 0JY |
You can also register to join the free thematic webinars from the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute, focusing on the advanced digital technologies eligible for funding under the DTFF. The webinars will take place between 21 May and 25 June 2024.
Read the full DTFF applicant guidance for a detailed overview of the programme, eligibility and how to apply.
In order to claim from the DTFF, successful applicants will have to complete an Innovate NI Innovation Assessment before they can draw down funding.
The DTFF is delivered by all local authorities in Northern Ireland under the Full Fibre Northern Ireland Consortium and supported by Invest Northern Ireland. The project is part funded by the NI Executive, UK Government, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and all local councils in Northern Ireland.
First published 20 October 2023