Founder Labs Cohort 5: a £25,000 Invest NI grant with no equity or repayment for tech start-ups in Belfast, apply by 20 November 2026

Founder Labs, supported by Invest Northern Ireland, has launched the call for Cohort 5 of its six-month accelerator programme based in Belfast. The initiative is open to up to 10 ambitious, tech-focused start-ups ranging from the conceptual stage to initial customer acquisition.

Selected teams will receive a £25,000 non-dilutive grant from Invest Northern Ireland alongside more than £500,000 in partner credits. Applications close on 20 November 2026, with programme activities scheduled to begin at Ormeau Labs on 11 January 2027.

What is funded

Participants secure a direct grant of £25,000 provided by Invest Northern Ireland. This capital requires no equity surrender and no repayment obligations. The funding is disbursed across four separate tranches as founders advance through the accelerator stages.

Beyond direct capital, teams receive over £500,000 in partner credits. The programme also includes trips to Dublin, London and New York to meet customers, founders and investors.

Programme structure and support

The accelerator runs for six months and takes place in two consecutive phases. The first phase consists of three months of intensive in-person programming at Ormeau Labs in Belfast, followed by three months of concierge operational support.

Founders receive ongoing weekly assistance from dedicated entrepreneurs in residence and a panel of operator mentors. The accelerator culminates in a Demo Day, offering participating teams the opportunity to present their ventures to active investors.

Who can apply

The call is aimed at scalable, tech-focused enterprises ranging from the idea phase to early customer traction. A total of up to 10 companies will be selected for this cohort.

Applicants must either already operate as a Northern Ireland limited company or commit to establishing one upon acceptance into the programme. Furthermore, at least one founder must hold a residential address in Northern Ireland.

For Ukrainian founders this means relocating: the founder based in Belfast needs the right to work in Northern Ireland, and the company will need a UK bank account after selection. Consultancies and agencies, retail, food and lifestyle businesses where technology is not the core of the product are not eligible. The application is completed in English.

Conditions and requirements

The programme requires full commitment from core leadership. At least one founder must work full time on the business for the entire six-month duration, participating in person in Belfast. Founders who are currently employed may still apply, provided they commit to going full time once accepted.

Practical tip. If you need to assess your venture’s alignment with the programme prior to submitting, you can reach out to the Founder Labs team to request a 20-minute office hours call. Providing a concise one-line pitch, sector details, and founder background through their initial inquiry form will help ensure feedback on your eligibility.

How to apply

Applications must be completed online by Friday, 20 November 2026. Applicants are instructed to review the official application guide provided by Founder Labs before submitting their materials.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on 30 November and 1 December 2026, with decisions communicated on 3 December 2026. Formal onboarding and contracting will occur in December 2026 ahead of the official start on Monday, 11 January 2027.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: founderlabs.network.