The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre at Queen's University Belfast and Irish Manufacturing Research have launched Datum, an €8.3 million cross-border programme supporting digital transformation for up to 100 manufacturing SMEs across Ireland and Northern Ireland, according to a TechCentral report.

The three-year initiative is funded by PeacePlus, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. The programme provides hands-on technology implementation support rather than consultancy services, guiding companies through digital adoption, skills development and technology alignment.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke launched the programme on 12 February 2026. Northern Ireland Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald attended the launch.

Barry Kennedy, CEO at Irish Manufacturing Research, 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 addresses barriers preventing advanced manufacturing technology adoption, including skills gaps, costs and implementation uncertainty. Participating companies receive expert-led guidance throughout their transformation journey, with funded access reducing financial barriers.

Irish Manufacturing Research, headquartered in Mullingar with facilities in Dublin, works directly with industry to implement new technologies. The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre operates through Queen's University Belfast in partnership with Ulster University and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Find out more about the cross-border manufacturing support initiative by reading the complete article.