Encouraging easing & increasing links between academia & industry

Funded by the Department for the Economy, Connected was the first Knowledge Exchange programme in the UK to be delivered across both Higher and Further Education. We give companies of all sizes access to the full range of services available from local universities and colleges including research, product development, knowledge exchange, innovation and training.

The goal of Connected is to foster closer partnerships between our region’s businesses, both large and small, and the university/college departments who are keen to work with you. The further and higher education sectors in Northern Ireland are ready and willing to offer their vast pool of expertise, knowledge, research capability and world-class facilities to businesses and the community at large. Working in collaboration with universities/colleges can bring real and measurable benefits to your bottom line.

For many businesses and organisations who wish to collaborate with a university/college, the challenge can often be to understand what is available and identify the relevant expertise. Through Connected, businesses and organisations can access information and funding, which can bring about major business benefits.