Atlantic Technological University, in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), Ulster University (UU) and Catalyst, has received significant funding as a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body for an SME Development and Transition project. This major €9.45 million investment has the potential to transform small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the Border Region of Ireland and Northern Ireland over the next four years.

ETC4SME (Enabling Technology Cluster for Small and Medium Enterprises), under the leadership of Dr Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin, Strategic Projects Manager at ATU Donegal School of Business will focus on supporting SMEs across the 12 counties within the PEACEPLUS region to implement innovations primarily focused on ESG (Environmental, social, Governance) and AI (Artificial Intelligence), but also with targeted interventions to address SME product or process improvements. The project will be flexible to meet the needs of the SMEs either through sectoral supports or through solution development of common innovation challenges. The project will help SMEs adopt technology-enabled innovation to enhance competitiveness, sustainability, and job creation.

The ETC4SME project responds to the pressing need for innovation in regions classified as “Moderate Innovators” by the European Commission. SMEs in these areas face lower productivity, limited R&D investment, and reduced access to innovation support. ETC4SME aims to reverse these trends by delivering tailored programmes that foster product and process innovation across all sectors. ETC4SME is a fully cross-border initiative, co-designed by academic and industry leaders to ensure regional inclusivity and complementarity.

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 said: “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.

“The Government is committed to strengthening regional innovation and ensuring that no part of the island is left behind. This project aligns with our strategic goals under Global Ireland and the Trade and Investment Strategy, and reflects our shared ambition to build a future where enterprise thrives across the Island. I commend Atlantic Technological University and its partners for their leadership and vision in delivering this transformative initiative.”

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “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.”

Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, said: “This €9.45 million investment is a powerful vote of confidence in the potential of SMEs across our region. ETC4SME will not only accelerate innovation and digital transformation but also foster meaningful cross-border collaboration that strengthens communities and drives sustainable economic growth.”

The project launch, which took place today, brought together a wide range of stakeholders from across the island, including academic experts, industry leaders, regional SMEs, and government representatives.

Professor M.N. Ravishankar, Dean and Head of Queen’s Business School stated: ‘At the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute, we are delighted to be part of this exciting new cross-border PEACEPLUS funding initiative.  Through our leadership programmes, we aim to foster and develop lifelong learning, develop competitiveness and cultivate the growth mindset needed to embrace the opportunities of growing a sustainable business on the island of Ireland’

Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), Ulster University, 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."

Rob Grundy, Director of Innovation Partnerships, Catalyst added that “Catalyst is delighted that the ETC4SME project has secured funding.  This is a brilliant opportunity to support nearly 1,000 SMEs across the region to embrace innovation, adopt new technologies and achieve sustainability. We are looking forward to working with the other partners in making a real difference for businesses on both sides of the border.”

Dr. Ciarán ÓhAnnracháin, ETC4SME Project Lead, concluded: “ETC4SME is a game-changer for SMEs in our region. By combining academic expertise, industry insight, and cross-border collaboration, we’re creating a powerful platform for innovation, sustainability, and growth.  At the end of this project, it is envisaged that SMEs across the twelve counties will be better placed to operate within a multi-jurisdictional environment, plan for scale up and develop export potential; and to provide a vibrant economic environment that is attractive to inward FDI.”

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.

For more information, visit: www.atu.ie