Activate AI
Bridging Gaps, Boosting Productivity & Growth
Empowering Northern Ireland businesses to unlock the power of AI.
This project is part of the Regional Tech Booster programme, funded by the UK Government and supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, in partnership with the UK Tech Cluster Group.
Activate AI key takeaways
Activate AI key takeaways
Lynette Fay, Brick Row Media
Activate AI key takeaways
Martin Dorman, FSL Scoreboards
Activate AI key takeaways
Louise Keenan Clarke, Succeed with Confidence
Activate AI key takeaways
James Gorman Property
Activate AI Toolkit
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Activate AI is supporting
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Early-stage entrepreneurs and established SMEs based in Northern Ireland.
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Tech-based businesses seeking to embed AI solutions.
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Teams improving productivity, customer engagement, or business intelligence through AI
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Women Founders and Entrepreneurs – Leading the AI Revolution
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Rural Founders and Regional Businesses – Bridging the Digital Divide
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Minority and Underrepresented Entrepreneurs – Shaping an Inclusive AI Future
Participants Journey
AwakenHub’s Activate AI is a pioneering initiative designed to help Northern Ireland-based entrepreneurs and tech-focused businesses adopt artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainable growth. Selected as the only Northern Ireland project funded under the UK Government’s £1 million Regional Tech Booster programme, Activate AI provides practical, inclusive, and high-impact support for 30 local businesses ready to explore AI’s transformative potential. Delivered in partnership with Tech NI Advocates, the programme combines access to global AI leaders and startup experts through four high-impact events and applied innovation to help founders integrate AI into real business challenges.
December 11th Kick off Online
Hands-on AI learning and tailored business support. Learn actionable strategies to save time and grow your business with real AI solutions you can implement immediately. Opportunities to connect with peers and industry mentor
January 15th 2026 Belfast
Unlocking Productivity with AI. Core focus of this full day event is productivity; time-saving generative AI tools, active usage of tools in session to improve everyday business operations such as marketing, sales, pitching and content creation.
January 29th 2026 Online
Scaling Smarter: AI, Collaboration, and Regional Growth Workshop. Learn how to scale with responsible AI. Gain access to the forthcoming AI Implementation Toolkit, sharing best practice for the wider NI business community.
February 11th 2026 Derry
Sales Hacker & Investor Gurus will lead this session focusing on applying new AI skillsets and blending industry expertise to improve sales, growth, productivity & investment and scaling opportunities.
March 2026 Activate AI Regional Showcase
A chance to showcase your business and demonstrate measurable AI impact at the March 2026 Activate AI Showcase. This high-profile event will showcase cluster participants. Featuring facilitated peer-learning sessions with cluster participants sharing their learning and next steps. We will present the Activate AI SME Toolkit. Join us to engageme with local ecosystem partners, businesses, public sector, media, and education stakeholders
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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Activate AI is a new AwakenHub initiative supporting 30 Northern Ireland-based entrepreneurs and tech-focused businesses to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in practical, accessible ways. The programme helps participants improve productivity, innovation, and business growth through hands-on learning, mentorship, and expert guidance.
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Activate AI is open to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and established SMEs based in Northern Ireland. We especially welcome applications from women founders, rural businesses, and entrepreneurs from minority or underrepresented backgrounds. You do not need to be an AI expert — just ready to explore how AI could benefit your organisation.
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There is no cost to participate. Activate AI is fully funded through the UK Government’s Regional Tech Booster Programme, delivered in partnership with the UK Tech Cluster Group and supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
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No — Activate AI is designed for non-technical founders, entrepreneurs, and business owners as well as those already working in tech. The programme focuses on helping participants understand how AI can be practically applied to improve productivity, efficiency, and decision-making in any business. You’ll learn through accessible sessions, real-world examples, and expert mentoring tailored to your level of experience.
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The programme runs from December 2025 to March 2026 through a hybrid model combining online workshops, and four in-person events across Northern Ireland. These events will feature global AI leaders and startup experts, culminating in a showcase where participants share their AI success stories.
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articipants will gain practical skills, expert insights, and tailored support to integrate AI into their business operations. You’ll also join a connected community of innovators, gain visibility through AwakenHub’s networks, and receive access to an AI Implementation Toolkit — sharing lessons from the pilot to benefit the wider NI business community.
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To express interest, simply complete our online registration form via the link below. Applications close on 4th November 2025. Places are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
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Yes — Activate AI is open to all founders and business leaders based in Northern Ireland, regardless of gender. While AwakenHub has a strong mission to increase participation and leadership opportunities for women, rural, and minority founders, the programme welcomes applications from men who share our commitment to inclusive innovation and AI adoption. Every participant benefits from the same high-quality support, learning, and networking opportunities.
