Support for digital transformation in manufacturing
A new €8.3 million cross-border programme has been launched to help up to 100 small and medium-sized manufacturers across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland adopt digital technology.
The DATUM programme will give businesses hands-on support to modernise production, improve efficiency and introduce new digital tools such as automation.
DATUM will be delivered by the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) at Queen’s University Belfast and Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR). Both organisations will work directly with businesses to help them
- transition from digital readiness to real-world implementation
- reduce risk
- build capability
- strengthen long-term competitiveness
The programme is designed to be a partner-led support service rather than a consultancy. Businesses will receive structured support with direct guidance from experts, focused on practical adoption and measurable outcomes, with funded access to reduce financial risk.
Who is it for
DATUM is open to manufacturing SMEs across Northern Ireland and Ireland’s border counties – Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo.
How to get started
Manufacturing SMEs can now submit an expression of interest to join DATUM. The DATUM team will arrange a 45-minute onboarding call to discuss eligibility, outline the pathway and confirm next steps.
The deadline for the first cohort of businesses is 20 March 2026.
Further opportunities will be released in due course. Find out more about DATUM.
The DATUM project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
First published 17 February 2026
