Smart Nano NI

We are getting ready to launch our 2026 Smart Nano 5G and Photonics programme. The (Future Networks) Technology Access Programme will be tailored for IoT and other SMEs. This programme aims to enable participants to prototype connected devices, validate performance at scale, and future-proof solutions using one of Northern Ireland’s largest private 5G testbeds. Companies can benchmark against multiple connectivity options, optimise performance, and deploy edge applications within a live industrial environment.

Our Integrated Photonics Bootcamp programme will offer hands-on photonics software training and is designed to help participants develop the skills and knowledge needed to design and develop integrated photonics technologies for real-world applications. Through the programme, participants will build capability in concept development, simulation, photonics chip design, and layout for manufacturing, whilst also learning about the latest industry practices and innovation across the photonics ecosystem in Northern Ireland and the wider UK.

Smart Nano NI is a Northern Ireland consortium collaborating to develop game-changing advanced prototyping and smart manufacturing methods to deliver new technologies. The consortium shares a niche capability around nano manufacturing and world-leading knowledge in photonics and aims to support innovation-led economic growth, both in the area and nationally, as well as enhancing local research and innovation collaborations. The consortium has been awarded £42.4m UK Research and Innovation’s Strength in Places Fund. The total project value including leveraged funding from other sources is £63.9m. Our collaboration is aimed at driving self-sustaining local industry and economic growth through research and innovation.

The collaboration is led by Seagate Technology, a world leader in data storage and management solutions. Its facility in NI is recognised as one of the foremost 200mm wafer fabrication plant in the world and brings together leading organisations from across Northern Ireland:

• Analytics Engines – leader in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning,
• Causeway Sensors – photonic therapeutic device specialists
• Cirdan – leading provider of medical informatics and imaging solutions
• Digital Catapult – a deep tech innovation organisation
• North West Regional College – a national award-winning Business Support Centre for skills development, R&D and innovation
• Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) – leads the Centre of Doctoral Training in Integrated Photonics and Advanced Data Storage
• Ulster University – the Intelligent Systems Research Centre (ISRC) is an established Centre of Excellence in Intelligent Systems specialising in artificial intelligence (AI).
• Yelo – photonics test equipment vendor.

Digital Catapult’s Smart Nano NI team brings together a breadth of disciplines covering expert technologists, innovation practitioners, project management, marketing, and communications.

Technologist’s share expertise, knowledge and advice to the consortium and industry across areas including:

• Photonics
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Future networks: 5G, the internet of things (IoT) and advanced network technologies
• Immersive technologies
• Distributed systems including blockchain

The Innovation Practice team, led by Senior Innovation Partner Brendan Lowry, provide a range of delivery activities including eco-system building, industry outreach, acceleration programme delivery and innovation consultancy.

Project management, led by Chris Wilson. Chris plays a key role in engaging internal and external stakeholders across the consortium on these elements of the programme including timelines, work package progress and reporting functions.

The Marketing and Communications team led by Julie McCullagh, work collaboratively with consortium partners to help promote Smart Nano NI, develop industry focused case studies, blogs and digital/ hard copy materials, alongside engagement activities during recruitment for programmes and interventions.