Wednesday, 29 October 2025
€9.45m Cross-Border Project to Drive Innovation for SMEs Across Ireland and Northern Ireland A major new cross-border initiative led by Atlantic Technological University (ATU), in partnership with Ulster University (UU), Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), and Catalyst, has secured €9.45 million in funding to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Ireland’s border counties and Northern […]
A major new cross-border initiative led by Atlantic Technological University (ATU), in partnership with Ulster University (UU), Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), and Catalyst, has secured €9.45 million in funding to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Ireland’s border counties and Northern Ireland.
The project, titled ETC4SME (Enabling Technology Cluster for Small and Medium Enterprises), is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and co-funded by the European Union and the UK Government. It will run for four years, supporting SMEs in adopting technology-enabled innovation with a strong focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The ETC4SME project aims to drive innovation, enhance productivity, and strengthen competitiveness among SMEs in both regions. Through tailored supports, the initiative will help businesses improve products and processes, address sector-specific challenges, and integrate emerging technologies into daily operations.
Participating SMEs will receive guidance and practical assistance to help them adopt advanced digital tools and sustainable business practices, positioning them to thrive in increasingly technology-driven and environmentally conscious markets.
A core element of ETC4SME is helping SMEs harness the potential of artificial intelligence and ESG-focused innovation. By embedding these principles into product development and business strategy, the project seeks to ensure that smaller firms can participate fully in the green and digital transitions shaping the global economy.
This focus also supports Ireland’s and Northern Ireland’s broader economic goals, building more resilient, sustainable, and future-ready enterprises capable of competing internationally.
Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister Dr. Caoimhe Archibald welcomed the new cross-border partnership, emphasising the importance of collaboration for economic development:
“I welcome this initiative on cross-border cooperation and trade that this new partnership will deliver. This initiative aims to boost digital innovation, productivity, and competitiveness among SMEs in the North and border counties of Ireland. I commend the collaborative efforts of the partners in supporting SMEs to develop innovative products and processes. I look forward to seeing how the project will leverage AI technology to support participants and achieve success in the coming months and years.”
Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke TD highlighted the long-term impact of this investment:
“This €9.45m investment in cross-border innovation is a powerful example of how collaboration between Ireland and Northern Ireland can deliver real, lasting impact for our SMEs.
Through ETC4SME, we are supporting businesses to embrace cutting-edge technologies like AI and ESG-focused innovation, helping them become more competitive, more sustainable, and more resilient.”
The ETC4SME project brings together expertise from academia, enterprise development, and industry. Each partner institution plays a vital role:
Atlantic Technological University (Lead Partner): Coordinating project delivery and engagement across Ireland’s border counties.
Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast: Providing research and innovation expertise, particularly in emerging technologies and digital transformation.
Catalyst: Offering business support and innovation network resources to connect SMEs with mentors, investors, and technology partners.
Together, the partners aim to create a cross-border technology cluster that fosters collaboration, strengthens regional innovation capacity, and supports sustainable business growth.
Funded under PEACEPLUS, a programme designed to support peace, prosperity, and cooperation across Northern Ireland and the border regions of Ireland, ETC4SME reflects a commitment to shared progress through innovation.
By focusing on practical, technology-driven solutions, the project contributes to economic cohesion and shared sustainability goals while reinforcing the importance of cooperation between institutions and governments north and south of the border.
Over the next four years, ETC4SME will engage SMEs across multiple sectors, delivering workshops, mentorship, and applied research opportunities. The initiative is expected to help hundreds of small businesses transition toward more sustainable and digitally integrated operations.
By equipping SMEs with tools for AI adoption, ESG compliance, and innovation-led growth, the project is poised to strengthen the island’s overall economic resilience and position Ireland and Northern Ireland as leaders in sustainable small business development.
The €9.45 million ETC4SME project represents a landmark investment in the future of SMEs across Ireland and Northern Ireland. By combining resources from universities, industry partners, and the PEACEPLUS programme, the initiative will empower businesses to embrace new technologies, improve competitiveness, and adopt sustainable practices.
With support from both governments and the European Union, this cross-border collaboration underscores the transformative power of partnership in building a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable economy for the entire island.
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