NISP CONNECT is an independent, non-profit organisation that supports the development of innovative technologies and early stage companies through a series of educational seminars, mentorship programmes, capital competitions, and public policy advocacy. The programmes are driven by the findings of the Northern Ireland Knowledge Economy Index (KEI) and are guided by the pro bono contributions of experienced entrepreneurs and executives.

NISP CONNECT accelerates the growth of knowledge-based companies by acting as an honest, neutral broker and aims to catalyse the commercialisation of world-class research and intellectual property. A joint effort between the Northern Ireland’s academic research base, the University of Ulster, Queens University Belfast, AFBI (Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute), and Northern Ireland’s private sector, the CONNECT programmes are designed to facilitate a culture of collaboration between the region’s highest quality science and technology entrepreneurs, research institutions, professional services providers and investors.