Regional Talent Engines programme opens applications to support aspiring entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland

The Royal Academy of Engineering’s Enterprise Hub has opened a new round of applications for its Regional Talent Engines programme to support entrepreneurial mid-late career engineers with an innovative concept to bring to market.

The Enterprise Hub will grant successful applicants £20,000 equity-free funding for living and business costs to help grow their ideas into startup businesses. In addition to funding, successful applicants will also receive six months’ support to prepare them for commercialising their engineering solutions.

Designed to boost innovation across the UK by helping to grow local ecosystems and create jobs, applicants must be based in Northern Ireland and have experience in engineering or technology, with a concept for an identified market solution.

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The programme prepares those seeking a career change as an entrepreneur to bring their concept to market, pitch for future investment or join one of the Enterprise Hub’s further programmes to grow their business.

The Regional Talent Engines programme offers a unique package of support as a startup accelerator with:

• Equity-free funding
• Expert mentoring, training and mentoring from the Royal Academy of Engineering’s diverse network of Fellows and business advisors at its delivery centre in Belfast
• Access to co-working and meeting spaces in the Academy’s Taylor Centre in London and at its regional base in the Ormeau Baths, Belfast
• Lifetime membership of the Enterprise Hub including access to facilities, training and networking opportunities, and a supportive entrepreneurial community. The Enterprise Hub encourages founders further along in the business cycle to support future Hub Members

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Ana Avaliani, Director, Enterprise, at the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “Northern Ireland has a rich history as a hotspot for engineering. We hope to champion diverse engineering talent through our Regional Talent Engines programme to ensure Northern Ireland continues to be a leader in cultivating innovation. The programme aims to support those with experience in engineering or technology, and with a desire to commercialise an innovative concept."

“As our Enterprise Hub reaches its tenth anniversary, our long-term aim is to strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems by helping to launch successful engineering and technology businesses, creating jobs and economic prosperity.”

Applications are open until 6 March 2023 with the programme commencing in spring 2023.

Source: Written from press release