Innovate+ focuses 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 Innovate+ 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. Innovate+ aims to reverse these trends by delivering tailored programmes that foster product and process innovation across all sectors. Innovate+ is a fully cross-border initiative, co-designed by academic and industry leaders to ensure regional inclusivity and complementarity.
This project is being led by Atlantic Technological University (ATU), in partnership with Ulster University (UU), Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), and Catalyst, supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body for an SME Development and Transition project.
