Connecting businesses with the expertise, support and partnerships needed to accelerate innovation.

As the lead partner for NWCAM2, Catalyst plays a central role in supporting SMEs to explore and progress innovation within advanced manufacturing.

Through innovation support, collaboration and industry engagement, Catalyst helps businesses connect with the right expertise, technical capability and programme partners to move ideas forward and support practical innovation activity.

Catalyst is a non-profit Science and Technology Hub focused on fostering innovation and opportunity in Northern Ireland.
Within NWCAM2, Catalyst leads programme coordination and works closely with SMEs, research institutions and technical partners to support collaborative innovation activity.
The organisation’s role within the programme is centred around helping businesses navigate innovation opportunities and connect with the expertise and support required to progress projects and overcome challenges.
Catalyst brings experience in innovation support, collaboration and ecosystem development, helping connect businesses with the people, expertise and opportunities that can support growth and technical advancement. Within NWCAM2, Catalyst supports:
- SME engagement and innovation support
- Collaboration between industry and research partners
- Access to specialist expertise and programme pathways
- Project coordination and ongoing business engagement
- Development of innovation-focused partnerships and opportunities
Through this role, Catalyst helps businesses navigate the programme and identify opportunities for meaningful technical and operational progress.
For many SMEs, identifying the right pathway for innovation can be challenging. Through NWCAM2, Catalyst helps businesses:
- SME engagement and innovation support
- Collaboration between industry and research partners
- Access to specialist expertise and programme pathways
- Project coordination and ongoing business engagement
- Development of innovation-focused partnerships and opportunities
The focus is on helping businesses move from initial challenge or opportunity through to meaningful innovation activity and implementation.

The Catalyst Team

Catalyst’s team within NWCAM2 includes Innovation Brokers and programme staff supporting SME engagement, collaboration and project development across the programme. Working closely with businesses and delivery partners, the team helps connect SMEs with the expertise, support and opportunities most relevant to their innovation needs.