Call 2 of the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF) is now open for expressions of interest.
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 online pre-briefing session
Interested applicants are recommended to attend a pre-briefing session before submitting an expression of interest.
Online briefing sessions
Date: 11 March 2024 (MS Teams)
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Register
Date: 22 March 2024 (MS Teams)
Time: 10am to midday
Register
In-person briefing sessions across NI council venues
Council area: Antrim and Newtownabbey
Date: 14 March 2024
Time: 9:30am to 11:30am
Venue: Mossley Mill, 19 Carnmoney Road North, Newtownabbey BT36 5NL
Register
Council area: Ards and North Down
Date: 20 March 2024
Time: 10am to midday
Venue: Ards Business Hub, Sketrick House, 16 Jubilee Road, Newtownards, Co. Down, BT23 4YH
Register
Council area: Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon
Date: 19 March 2024
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Venue: Craigavon Centre, 66 Lakeview Road, Armagh, Banbridge And Craigavon BT64 1AL
Register
Council area: Causeway Coast and Glens
Date: 20 March 2024
Time: 10:30am to midday
Venue: Lodge Hotel, 102A Lodge Road, Coleraine BT52 1NF
Register
Council area: Derry and Strabane
Date: 14 March 2024
Time: 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Venue: Everglades Hotel Prehen Road, Derry~Londonderry BT47 2NH
Register
Council area: Fermanagh and Omagh
Date: 14 March 2024
Time: 10am to midday
The Workhouse, 2 Erne Road, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, BT74 6NN
Register
Council area: Lisburn City and Castlereagh
Date: 20 March 2024
Time: 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Venue: Chestnut Suite, Lagan Valley Island, Civic Centre Lagan Valley Island 1 The Island, Lisburn BT27 4RL
Register
Council area: Mid and East Antrim
Date: 15 March 2024
Time: 9am to 11am
Venue: The Ecos Centre Kernohans Lane, Ballymena BT43 7QA
Register
Council area: Mid Ulster
Date: 11 March 2024
Time: 9:30am to 11:30am
Venue: The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown BT80 8DN
Register
Council area: Newry, Mourne and Down
Date: 12 March 2024
Time: 9:30am to 11:30am
Venue: Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency, Enterprise House Win Business Park Canal Quay, Newry BT35 6PH
Register
Call 2 of the DTFF will close to expressions of interest on midday on 29 March 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.
