Activate AI
Bridging Gaps, Boosting Productivity & Growth
Empowering Northern Ireland businesses to unlock the power of Artificial Intelligence.
Who Should Apply
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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 aiming to improve productivity, customer engagement, or business intelligence through AI
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Women Founders and Entrepreneurs – Lead the AI Revolution
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Rural Founders and Regional Businesses – Bridge the Digital Divide
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Minority and Underrepresented Entrepreneurs – Shape an Inclusive AI Future
What Participants Will Gain
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 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 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.
February 2026 Derry-Londonderry
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.
February 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.
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
Limited Enrollment 30 places
Limited Enrollment 30 places
Programme Timeline
December 2025 – March 2026
Delivered through a mix of online and hybrid sessions, the programme will guide participants step-by-step in applying AI tools, strategy, and thinking to their business operations.
Why Activate AI Matters
AI is reshaping every sector. Yet, many businesses — particularly those led by women, rural founders, and minority entrepreneurs — face barriers to adoption.
Activate AI is designed to close that gap. By making AI more accessible, practical, and inclusive, the programme will help Northern Ireland lead in innovation, job creation, and sustainable tech growth.
Register Your Interest
Places are limited to 30 businesses.
If you are an NI-based entrepreneur or SME ready to explore how AI can accelerate your growth, productivity, and innovation, we invite you to join us.
Register your interest before 4th November 2025.
✺ 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.