Techstart Proof of Concept Grant Fund: Up to £40,000 for Early-Stage Innovators in Northern Ireland

Are you an entrepreneur in Northern Ireland with an innovative business idea? The Techstart Proof of Concept Grant Fund offers up to £40,000 in grant funding to help you test and validate your concept. Whether your idea is in tech or not, this pre-commercial grant can be the launchpad you need to explore market viability and commercial potential.

About the Program

The Proof of Concept (PoC) Grant Fund is managed by Techstart Ventures LLP and is part of an integrated program supporting innovative startups and early-stage businesses in Northern Ireland. The grant fund offers two main streams:

• Concept Grant: Up to £15,000

• Concept Plus Grant: Up to £40,000

The Concept Plus Grant is currently open for applications, with a deadline of 26 August 2025, 5:00 PM BST. Pitch sessions will take place the week of 15 September 2025.

Whether you’re refining a health-tech prototype or testing a new product-market fit in retail, this grant can help you de-risk your idea and prepare for future investment. Techstart’s PoC Grant Fund is one of Northern Ireland’s key public funding tools to support innovation from the ground up.

Who Can Apply?

This opportunity is open to:

• Sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies

• Applicants with a novel and innovative concept (both tech and non-tech ideas are eligible)

• Residents of Northern Ireland (Limited companies must also be registered in NI)

Note: Community Interest Companies and university-owned companies are not eligible.

What Does the Grant Cover?

The PoC Grant supports activities such as:

• Concept or prototype development

• Market research and validation

• Customer discovery and testing

• Assessment of IP uniqueness

• Employment costs (for Ltd companies only; up to 30% of grant at a daily rate of £200)

Ineligible Costs

Funding cannot be used for:

• Marketing and selling costs

• Product development beyond the core concept

• Rent, office space, equipment purchases, or stock

• IP protection or company registration

• Overhead costs like administration or project management

• VAT (if VAT registered)

Grant Structure

• Funds are paid in arrears, based on proof of expenditure

• Employment-related funding requires timesheets and clear deliverables

• Innovate NI Assessment is mandatory before drawing down grant funds

Application Process

1. Submit an online application

2. Pitch your idea to the Techstart team

3. Get notified about funding decisions

4. Attend a briefing session if selected

5. Begin your PoC journey!

Visit the Techstart Grants website to apply. Questions? Email grants@techstart.vc or book a meeting.

Deadline to Apply for Concept Plus Grant: 26 August 2025 at 5:00 PM BST
Pitch sessions begin: Week of 15 September 2025

For more opportunities like this, visit Opportunities for Youth.