EU R&D FUNDING PROGRAMMES

There are many international programmes that stimulate and improve collaboration between companies in different EU member states, providing the opportunity to conduct close-to-market research activities or collaborate with specialist expertise in Europe.  These European programmes are managed by Enterprise Ireland and are listed in alphabetical order.

Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) Joint Programme

Managed by Enterprise Ireland, the focus of the AAL Joint Programme is to enhance the quality of life of older people.  Funding is available to clients of EI, IDA and Shannon Development to participate, and up to 50% of a company’s R&D cost towards an AAL project can be supported.

Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)

Coordinated by Enterprise Ireland, the EEN is an information source on internationally available new technologies, and will advise companies on identifying licensable technologies, licensing proprietary technology and best practice in this area.  This service is available to all companies free of charge.

EUREKA

Managed by Enterprise Ireland, EUREKA is a close-to-market R&D programme suitable if your company is interested in new product development in collaboration with international companies.  Funding is provided to Irish companies through the Enterprise Ireland R&D Fund, with up to 50% of the costs of participation available.

European Space Agency (ESA)

Enterprise Ireland coordinates Ireland’s participation in programmes within ESA, the focus of which is on space research, technology and applications.  All companies are eligible to apply and funding varies depending on the project.

Eurostars

Managed by Enterprise Ireland, Eurostars aims to foster and fund collaborative research projects between companies in member states.  A Eurostars project must be carried out by a consortium involving at least 2 partners from two Eurostars participating countries.  SMEs can receive up to 50% of their costs of participating in a Eurostars project.

Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs)

Managed by Enterprise Ireland, two European industry-led JTIs exist focusing on Embedded Computing Systems and Nanoelectronics.  Funding is available to clients of EI, IDA, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Shannon Development to participate in the JTIs and the level of funding varies depending upon the organisation size.

Seventh EU Framework Programme (FP7)

Managed by Enterprise Ireland, and ending in 2013, the FP7 programme offers valuable opportunities to companies of all sizes based in Ireland to participate in high-quality research collaborations with European counterparts.  Funding is available to Enterprise Ireland clients and amounts vary by programme.