Advanced wireless technologies, such as 5G, are a key driver of our local economy. As part of our Belfast 5G Innovation Region programme, we are launching a new £300,000 5G funding competition in late spring 2024 to support local SMEs to develop 5G use cases and harness advanced wireless digital connectivity to grow their business.

The funding will be targeted at local high-growth industry sectors including:

  • creative industries,
  • advanced manufacturing and construction, and
  • transport and logistics.

The fund will be open to SMEs located in the Belfast Region:

  • Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area
  • Ards and North Down Borough Council area
  • Belfast City Council area
  • Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area
  • Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area
  • Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area.

About the Belfast 5G Innovation Region

The Belfast region, led by Belfast City Council, has secured £3.8 million wireless innovation funding from the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and has become one of 10 5G Innovation Regions across the UK.

Over £36 million is being invested in regions across the UK, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to drive economic growth and innovation in key local sectors by unlocking the opportunities presented by advanced wireless connectivity and digital technologies.  

Belfast City Council is working with Belfast Region City Deal partners to deliver a Belfast 5G Innovation Region programme which will support our local SMEs and high-growth sectors including creative industries, advanced manufacturing, and transport and logistics to deliver an exciting range of innovative projects powered by advanced wireless technologies. This includes:

  • four 5G anchor projects with Belfast Harbour, Queen’s University, Ulster University and Translink,
  • a 5G grant scheme for SMEs, and
  • a 5G Enablement Programme to foster the Belfast Region’s advanced wireless ecosystem.

More information

Full details will be announced in late spring 2024. For more information, email smartbelfast@belfastcity.gov.uk.