Atlantic Technological University, in partnership with Ulster University (UU), Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), and Catalyst, has secured €9.45 million in funding for a transformative cross-border project aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, the SME Development and Transition project will drive innovation across Ireland’s border counties and Northern Ireland over the next four years.
The project, titled ETC4SME (Enabling Technology Cluster for Small and Medium Enterprises), will help SMEs adopt technology-enabled innovation with a strong focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and Artificial Intelligence (AI). It will also offer tailored support for product and process improvements, addressing common innovation challenges and sector-specific needs.
Responding to the European Commission’s classification of the region as “Moderate Innovators,” ETC4SME aims to reverse trends of low productivity and limited R&D investment by delivering bespoke programmes that enhance competitiveness, sustainability, and job creation.
Economy Minister Dr. Caoimhe Archibald said:
“I welcome this initiative on cross-border cooperation and trade that this new partnership will deliver. This initiative aims to boost digital innovation, productivity, and competitiveness among SMEs in the North and border counties of Ireland. I commend the collaborative efforts of the partners in supporting SMEs to develop innovative products and processes. I look forward to seeing how the project will leverage AI technology to support participants and achieve success in the coming months and years.”
Minister of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD added:
“This €9.45 million investment in cross-border innovation is a powerful example of how collaboration between Ireland and Northern Ireland can deliver real, lasting impact for our SMEs. Through ETC4SME, we are supporting businesses to embrace cutting-edge technologies like AI and ESG-focused innovation, helping them become more competitive, more sustainable, and more resilient.”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre commented:
“The ETC4SME project is a flagship initiative through PEACEPLUS, which is investing €25 million to help nearly 2,000 SMEs across the region scale up, innovate and transition to a low-carbon, digital economy.
This funding will empower SMEs to collaborate across borders, embrace sustainable practices and adopt cutting-edge technologies.It reflects the programme’s commitment to building a resilient, competitive and future-ready SME base that can thrive in a post-COVID economic landscape and contribute meaningfully to peace and prosperity across the region.”
Ulster University’s Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), said:
“Ulster University is proud to be a core partner in the ETC4SME project, which represents a transformative opportunity to support SMEs through digital innovation, cross-border collaboration, and enhanced competitiveness. This significant investment through the PEACEPLUS Programme directly supports our mission to drive economic growth, advance inclusive innovation, and create lasting impact across our region. We look forward to working with our partners to deliver achievable outcomes that strengthen SME capacity and contribute to sustainable regional development."
Dr Bryan Gardiner, Deputy Head of the School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems at Ulster University, added:
“ETC4SME represents a major step forward in supporting SMEs to harness the full potential of AI and digital innovation. Through this initiative, Ulster University will work closely with businesses across Northern Ireland and the border region to develop practical, responsible, and data-driven solutions that enhance productivity, resilience, and long-term cross-border collaboration.”
ETC4SME is co-funded by the European Union and the UK Government under the PEACEPLUS Programme. It is led by Atlantic Technological University in partnership with Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast, and Catalyst.
