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Belfast 5G Innovation Region Programme

We have partnered with Belfast City Council in the delivery of the Belfast 5G Innovation Region (5GIR) programme which is working with businesses, academia, and the public sector to support the adoption of 5G and other advanced wireless networks across the Belfast Region.

What is the Programme About?

Advanced wireless networks are key to the development of innovative products and services across a range of industry sectors including health, manufacturing, transport and logistics, creative industries, and public services.

The programme aims to ensure that local businesses and organisations are well-placed to harness advanced wireless connectivity to help grow the economy. It is developing resources and plans to ensure that the region becomes a leader in advanced wireless adoption.

It is also working with partners - Belfast Harbour, Ulster University and Studio Ulster, Queen’s University Belfast’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre and Translink - to deliver a series of commercially focused use cases that leverage 5G's potential in the transport and logistics, creative industries, construction, and advanced manufacturing industry sectors.

5G Funding Competition (Updated June 2025)

New Competition Now Live – Apply for up to £100,000 to Demonstrate 5G Innovation

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, as a partner in the Belfast 5G Innovation Region (5GIR) programme, is pleased to announce the latest phase of the 5G Funding Competition is now live.

This competitive fund offers £50,000 to £100,000 per project to help local businesses and groups explore, trial, or deploy innovative use cases powered by 5G or advanced wireless technologies.

Open to all sectors – from logistics and manufacturing to tourism, agriculture, and retail
Projects can be 5G-ready, even if only 4G connectivity is currently available
Covers standalone 5G, private networks, or hybrid systems
Focused on real-world applications with measurable business or societal impact

Upcoming Webinars for Applicants

Competition Briefing Webinar
Thursday 26th June | 10:30AM–11:30AM
Learn about eligibility, scope, and how to submit a strong application.
Register here

Partner Introduction Webinar
Wednesday 3rd July | 11:30AM–1:00PM
Pitch your idea or wireless solution, meet collaborators and tech suppliers.
Register here

More Information

For more information, visit www.smartbelfast.city

Council partners in the Belfast Region City Deal area are Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ards and North Down, Belfast, Lisburn and Castlereagh, Mid and East Antrim, and Newry, Mourne and Down.

The Belfast 5G Innovation Region programme is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology as part of their UK 5G Innovation Regions programme.