The PRISM Project, a €7.6 million initiative supported by the PEACEPLUS programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), has officially launched at South West College in Northern Ireland.

The project brings together a consortium of six strategic partners to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in tackling decarbonisation challenges within the manufacturing sector.

PRISM aims to accelerate sustainable manufacturing practices across three key industrial clusters: mineral processing, polymer processing and composites, and agrifood. The initiative targets 24 SMEs, leveraging applied research, innovation expertise, and cross-border collaboration to implement low-carbon technologies while fostering economic growth.

The consortium comprises South West College (SWC), Atlantic Technical University, Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) at Queen’s University Belfast, Dublin City University, North West Regional College, and Cavan Innovation and Technology Centre. The initiative also engages six sectoral trade associations, including the Mineral Products Association Northern Ireland, Irish Concrete Federation, Northern Ireland Polymer Association, Plastics Ireland, Food & Drink Association, and Food & Drink Ireland.

Activities are coordinated from SWC’s Omagh campus, reaching ten counties: Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Monaghan, Leitrim, Louth, and Tyrone. The project will provide over 1,000 participants with sector-specific insights, enhancing SME capabilities, driving innovation, and promoting environmental responsibility.

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre highlighted the initiative’s contribution to socio-economic regeneration, combining research excellence, enterprise innovation, and cross-border collaboration to strengthen the region’s manufacturing ecosystem. Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald emphasised PRISM’s role in reducing CO₂ emissions and accelerating innovation across local industries.

SWC Principal Celine McCartan noted that the project will support a range of companies in achieving Net Zero targets through applied research and sustainable product development, creating tangible opportunities for growth and a low-carbon economy.

Explore the full details of PRISM’s strategy to transform SME manufacturing practices in the complete story.