Ulster University has officially launched E-DATA (Enterprise Digitalisation and Transformation Alliance), a €6.7 million cross-border project designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting digital technologies and strengthening their competitiveness.
The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and will provide fully funded, hands-on support to businesses across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
The project brings together a consortium of five partner organisations: Ulster University, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sustainable NI, Manufacturing NI and Innovate-NI.
E-DATA has been developed to help SMEs overcome common barriers to digital transformation, including limited digital skills, outdated systems and challenges in accessing specialist expertise. Through practical guidance and implementation support, the initiative will help businesses improve efficiency, reduce operational pressures and make better decisions through data-driven technologies.
With digital adoption now essential for business growth and resilience, the programme will provide expert guidance in areas including data analytics, automation and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. The initiative also has a strong focus on sustainability, innovation and cross-border collaboration.
The project was officially launched at Ulster University’s Derry~Londonderry campus, where academic leaders, government representatives and industry stakeholders gathered to mark the beginning of the programme.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said:
“I welcome this latest cross-border initiative which will provide valuable support to help SMEs in the north and border counties become more economically resilient. I commend the efforts of Ulster University and its collaborative partners in combining their expertise to develop a programme which will empower SMEs to use digitisation as a tool to drive efficiency and innovation in their systems, processes and products. I look forward to seeing how the Programme transforms the growth of local businesses across the region in the coming months and years.”
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD added:
“I am delighted to note the launch of E‑DATA project which represents a significant step forward in strengthening SME competitiveness through digital transformation. By equipping businesses with the skills, tools, and expertise they need to innovate and decarbonise, this initiative strongly supports Ireland’s enterprise policy priorities around productivity, sustainability, and regional growth.
"The project will help SMEs seize new opportunities, boost resilience and drive long‑term economic prosperity on an all-island basis and I look forward to hearing the testimonies from the many businesses on their digital transformation journeys.”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said:
“PEACEPLUS supports projects that build long-term prosperity by strengthening the capacity of people, places and enterprises across our region.
"E‑DATA reflects that purpose with clarity. It gives small businesses direct access to the skills and technologies they need to remain competitive in a rapidly changing economy.
"By combining academic expertise with a strong cross‑border partnership, the programme offers practical help that will improve how firms work, innovate and plan for the future. We are pleased to support an initiative that places local businesses at the centre of digital progress and contributes to sustainable growth across both jurisdictions.”
The programme will work directly with SMEs through a co-design approach, ensuring that solutions are tailored to each business. Companies will also gain access to open-source tools and cloud-based platforms that will enable them to continue their digital transformation beyond the life of the project.
E-DATA will deliver support across five key areas:
- Providing impartial digital transformation advice tailored to SME needs
- Delivering hands-on support to implement new technologies at no cost
- Helping businesses analyse and reduce energy use and carbon outputs
- Promoting innovation-led product and process improvements
- Creating new cross-border business networks and collaborative clusters
Dr Dermot Kerr, E-DATA Project Lead at Ulster University, said:
“E-DATA is a strategically important project for Ulster University and our regional partners, directly addressing the digital transformation challenges faced by SMEs in Ireland’s border regions. Through tailored expertise and hands-on support, we will help businesses embrace digitalisation, drive innovation and secure their future competitiveness.”
Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Impact at Ulster University, added:
“Ulster University is committed to creating positive impact in border regions, and E-DATA empowers us to further that goal. This award reflects our research excellence and longstanding commitment to working in partnership to support sustainable economic growth.”
Through this cross-border collaboration, E-DATA aims to strengthen economic links, promote innovation and contribute to long-term prosperity for communities across the region.
