We’re launching a new £100,000 challenge funding competition in autumn 2023 to explore how digital innovation can help to sustain, enhance, and preserve the unique heritage of Belfast’s waterfront area.

Belfast’s Maritime Mile connects key attractions, public realm, sculptures and viewing points on both sides of the River Lagan – and our Belfast HUB-IN (Hub of Innovation) project is looking at innovative ways to further enrich and animate this space.

Delivered by Belfast City Council’s City Innovation Office and the Maritime Belfast Trust, the Belfast HUB-IN project is part of a €7.9 million European initiative that aims to transform historic urban areas through innovation.

Challenge Fund Competition

£100,000 of funding will be available to support creative industries and cutting-edge technology companies to collaborate with heritage organisations and communities in the waterfront area to develop and trial innovative digital products and experiences to help further transform the Maritime Mile into a dynamic destination.

Products and experiences should aim to:

  • enrich and animate the Maritime Mile for both locals and visitors,
  • increase footfall, dwell time and local spend,
  • connect surrounding communities, workers, students and visitors with the Maritime Mile, and
  • align with the ambitions outlined in the Belfast HUB-IN Roadmap.

Information session – 9 October 2023

We’re hosting a pre-application information session on 9 October 2023 between 10am – 12noon at the Drawing Office 1, Titanic Hotel, Belfast. It will give applicants the opportunity to hear more about the HUB-IN Challenge Fund and build relationships with potential community and business partners for their funding application.

If you’re interested in attending, please email smartbelfast@belfastcity.gov.uk.

Map of Maritime Mile

View the Maritime Mile interactive map or downloadable map.

Find out more

Full details of the Belfast HUB-IN Challenge Fund competition will be announced in autumn 2023. Sign up to our Smart Belfast mailing list to keep up to date.

Find out more about the Belfast HUB-IN project at www.maritimebelfast.com/hub-in