ONEHEALTH AI Accelerator

Practical innovation support for SMEs in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. 

  • A nine-month innovation accelerator providing structured, non-financial support to SMEs developing AI-enabled product or process innovations in human health, animal health, agri-food, and environmental domains. The ONEHEALTH project is funded by PEACEPLUS, an SEUPB funding programme.  

  • SMEs with a clearly defined innovation challenge where AI can deliver practical value and that are ready to actively develop and test a solution.  

  • Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (fewer than 250 employees) that meet PEACEPLUS eligibility requirements.  

  • The Accelerator is open to SMEs based in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. Applicants must be able to demonstrate activity and impact within this geography.  

  • The programme is designed for innovations at TRL 3–5, ranging from proof of concept to validation in a relevant environment.  

  • Innovations at TRL 1–2 (concept only) or TRL 6+ (already market-ready) are unlikely to be suitable. If you are unsure about your readiness or fit, reach out to the ONEHEALTH team to discuss before applying.  

  • No, but you must have a clear and credible plan for how AI will be applied within your product or process during the programme.  

  • The Accelerator focuses on product or process innovation, with a strong emphasis on improving existing products or operational processes through AI integration, rather than blue-sky research.

  • Hands-on innovation support, expert technical and commercial input, structured checkpoints, and guidance to help move your innovation from concept validation towards real-world deployment.  

  • No. The Accelerator provides non-financial support only. SMEs are responsible for covering their own development and staffing costs. 

FAQs

  • SMEs must commit to regular engagement over nine months, including five mandatory in-person checkpoints, as well as ongoing technical and commercial work between sessions.  

  • Yes. SMEs must already have access to relevant datasets, or secured rights to access them.  


    The Accelerator cannot proceed without appropriate data availability.  

  • No. SMEs are responsible for providing or securing access to all datasets required for their innovation.

  • Each SME must name:  

    • A decision-maker with authority to approve key actions, and  

    • A technical lead who can actively engage throughout the programme.  

  • The selection process has three stages.  

    • Eligibility Check  
      All SMEs must complete an eligibility and readiness check. This is used to confirm whether your business and innovation are eligible for the Accelerator. Submissions are reviewed by the ONEHEALTH team, and SMEs that meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to apply.  

    • Application  
      Eligible SMEs will be invited to complete an application which includes a full innovation proposal focused on technical and commercial feasibility. This is used to assess eligible innovations in detail and to shortlist for interviews.  

    • Interview  
      Shortlisted SMEs will be invited to attend an online interview. During the interview, the ONEHEALTH team will ask questions to clarify your application, explore the proposed innovation in more detail, and confirm your capacity to participate fully in the Accelerator. The interview will also provide an opportunity for you to outline any key dependencies, risks, or support needs that may affect delivery.  
        

    Please note that eligibility does not guarantee an invitation to apply, and that applying does not guarantee selection.   

    Applications are only accepted when a call is open.  

  • Applications are assessed based on eligibility, innovation readiness, data availability, technical feasibility, commercial potential, and fit with the ONEHEALTH AI Accelerator.

  • Yes. Places are limited, and not all eligible applications will be selected.

  • Participation in the Accelerator is subject to State Aid / subsidy control rules under PEACEPLUS. Applicants will be required to confirm compliance and provide relevant declarations as part of the process. 

  • No. SMEs retain full ownership of their intellectual property.

  • If you are unsure about eligibility, readiness, or fit, we encourage you to contact the ONEHEALTH team before applying, using the details provided on the programme webpage.