Innovate Local Northern Ireland: Inspiring innovation in Derry/Londonderry
Held on 20 May in Derry/Londonderry, Innovate Local Northern Ireland brought together business leaders, innovators and support organisations for a morning of inspiration, practical advice and networking. The event showcased the strength of Northern Ireland’s innovation ecosystem, connecting businesses with the expertise, funding and partnerships needed to accelerate growth.
Setting the tone
The event opened around the themes of Inspiring, Connecting and Learning. Councillor Ruairí McHugh, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, highlighted the importance of innovation in driving regional prosperity, while Paul Malcomson, Northern Ireland Manager at Innovate UK, reinforced Innovate UK’s commitment to supporting businesses through funding, expertise and collaboration.
Showcasing the innovation landscape
Hosted by Kezia Williamson, Head of Place at Innovate UK Business Connect, the Innovation Landscape session provided a fast-paced overview of the support available across Northern Ireland. Lisa Braniff, Funding Liaison Manager at Invest NI, highlighted how businesses can access funding, advice and specialist support, encouraging attendees to engage early and make the most of the region’s connected innovation network.
Financing and future opportunities
The Financing your Business Innovation Journey session, led by Basit Mohammed (Innovate UK Business Connect) and Paul Clancy (Innovate UK Business Growth), explored the public and private funding options available to innovative businesses, offering practical guidance on investment readiness and routes to finance.
The My Business Innovation Journey session, hosted by Aeidin McCarter of Invest NI, featured Susan Kelly, CEO and Co-founder of Aflo Analytics, who shared how Innovate UK system support had helped the business develop and grow. Her story demonstrated the value of combining ambition with the right advice, funding and collaborative networks to turn innovative ideas into commercial success.
The event concluded with a Q&A and closing remarks from Vicky Kell, Director of Innovation and Research and Development at Invest NI, before attendees continued discussions over lunch and networking. Throughout the morning, a consistent message emerged: innovation flourishes through collaboration, with businesses encouraged to connect with the organisations best placed to support their next stage of growth.
Spotlight on Invest NI
Invest NI supports businesses to innovate, grow and compete internationally. Through the Innovate NI programme, early-stage founders can access one-toone expert guidance to develop and commercialise new ideas, from concept through to prototype and market entry, while identifying the right funding at the right time.
To find out more, email: accreditation@innovateni.com or visit www.innovateni.com/assessment.
You can also explore the full range of support available from Invest NI.
About Innovate UK
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the UK’s innovation agency. It works to create a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations. Its mission is to help companies to grow through their development and commercialisation of new products, processes, and services, supported by an outstanding innovation ecosystem that is agile, inclusive and easy to navigate.
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Innovate Local
Working alongside partners, businesses and stakeholders, Innovate UK hosts this series of events to help innovative businesses maximise their success.