DATUM will provide a structured, practical pathway to help small and medium-sized manufacturers move from digital readiness to real implementation. Delivered jointly by the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) at Queen’s University Belfast and Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), DATUM is positioned as hands-on support rather than consultancy, offering expert-led guidance throughout the transformation journey.

Support provided by DATUM to SMEs will include the provision of expert partners to work directly alongside business, a seamless cross-border approach with shared oversight and funded access designed to reduce financial risk.

The launch event welcomed a number of senior government and industry representatives including Mark Lee, Acting Deputy Secretary for Economic Policy and Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The €8.3m programme is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

AMIC, an open-access Research and Technology Organisation led by Queen’s University Belfast in partnership with Ulster University and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, aims to strengthen the global competitiveness of Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector through world-class innovation capability.

Peter Burke TD Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment said:

“This cross border initiative is a strong example of how collaboration can drive innovation, improve productivity and create sustainable growth.  Manufacturing SMEs are vital to our all island economy, and DATUM gives them the practical, hands-on support to adopt new technologies with confidence.  This initiative will help companies overcome the barriers that often prevent the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies - whether skills, cost, or uncertainty about where to begin.  Collaborative, cross border programmes such as DATUM help build resilience, foster innovation and promote shared economic prosperity. I look forward to seeing the real impact this programme will deliver for businesses across the island.”

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “This important new project by DATUM marks a positive step forward for the Advanced Manufacturing sector in the north, helping to accelerate digital transformation for up to 100 manufacturing SMEs across the programme area.

“It brings together Ireland’s two leading Advanced Manufacturing research and technology organisations, combining extensive experience in supporting enterprises to adapt to cutting edge digital and industry technologies. Through this collaboration, SMEs will gain the tools they need to boost productivity, enhance competitiveness, and succeed on a global stage.

“I look forward to seeing the lasting impact this project will deliver in driving economic growth, strengthening cross-border collaboration and building a strong and future focused network of technological and commercial excellence.”

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “DATUM reflects the core ambition of PEACEPLUS, strengthening cooperation across our region and supporting initiatives that deliver lasting economic and social benefits. By helping SMEs adopt new technologies with confidence, this project will enhance competitiveness, build resilience and open new opportunities for growth.

“We are committed to helping industry embrace innovation that drives long-term prosperity. DATUM will play an important role in ensuring that the manufacturing sector is equipped to grow, compete internationally and build a stronger economic future for all.”

Queen’s University Belfast President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said: “DATUM is a powerful example of how AMIC is translating world-class research and innovation capability into real, practical benefit for manufacturing SMEs. By working in partnership with IMR and supported through PEACEPLUS, this programme demonstrates how cross-border collaboration can boost digital transformation while building long-term resilience across the manufacturing sector. Initiatives such as this are a key focus of Queen’s, driving economic and societal impact for businesses and communities across the island of Ireland.”

IMR, headquartered in Mullingar with additional facilities in Dublin, is Ireland’s applied research and delivery partner for advanced manufacturing, working directly with industry to implement new technologies with reduced risk and translate complex innovation into practical, real-world gains in productivity and resilience.

IMR CEO Barry Kennedy said: “One of the biggest challenges facing manufacturing SMEs is cutting through the noise around digital technologies and understanding what will genuinely improve performance in their business. DATUM starts by helping companies understand where they are today and what matters most to improve, then supports them to align the right technologies, skills and ways of working to deliver real change. The programme brings expert support directly into businesses, working alongside teams to move from insight to implementation. Funded access and shared oversight help reduce risk and keep the focus firmly on practical outcomes.”

The DATUM programme is expected to play a significant role in boosting economic growth, strengthening cross-border collaboration and helping manufacturing businesses on both sides of the border modernise, compete internationally and build long-term resilience. Its structured approach - coupled with funded access - means SMEs can make meaningful progress in digital transformation without facing prohibitive cost barriers.

Go to datumdigital.org for further information and to complete an Expression of Interest for the first cohort of companies.

Media

Media Enquiries to Colm Heatley at c.heatley@qub.ac.uk