Want to know more about our support?
About our technical development support
Our Technical Development Incentive (TDI) is designed to encourage companies to engage in the innovation activities of product development, process improvement and the identification and protection of intellectual property.
We can support 50% of the external provider’s costs for projects between £1,000 and £50,000. Projects of up to £60,000 can also be supported but the maximum TDI grant amount is capped at £25,000.
Please note there are some limits on maximum grant amount and number of TDI supported projects running concurrently.
The proposed innovative solution must add value by increasing competitiveness.
Projects could include but are not limited to:
- Intellectual property (copyright, patents trademarks and design) protection & exploitation
- Product, service or process development, variation and improvement
- Management systems development & certification (such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, British Retail Consortium Global Food Safety Standard)
- Product and process approval and certification (for example CE Marking, Fire Certification)
Internal costs such as training, buying or hiring equipment, materials’ purchases or labour are not eligible for TDI support.
What are the benefits of technical development support?
The benefits of our Technical Development Incentive (TDI) include providing funding of up to £25,000 for local SMEs to cover costs associated with technical service providers, such as test houses, product development consultants, certification bodies, and IP specialists; to implement innovative solutions.
Who is eligible for technical development support?
Technical Development Incentive is only available to Invest Northern Ireland clients. If you would like more information on becoming a client, see how we support business.
How to apply
Invest NI clients should speak to their Invest NI client executive. We accept TDI applications at any time.
Hear how Northern Ireland businesses benefited from the Technical Development Incentive.
Contact us
If you are interested in more information on our technical development support, contact our Business Support Team on 0800 181 4422 or complete the enquiry form.