IN-COMPANY R&D

This section provides information on a range of supports available to companies who choose to pursue R&D or innovation activities on a solo basis within their company.  Supports within this section are managed by Enterprise Ireland, IDA or the County & City Enterprise Boards, and are listed in alphabetical order.

Note:  There are some additional in-company supports for R&D in the areas of Energy and Environmental which are listed separately. 

Benchmarking Company Competitiveness Initiative

Managed by Enterprise Ireland, this services involves benchmarking your company against some of the largest SME databases in the world.  All costs are supported by Enterprise Ireland, and the initiative is relevant to all Enterprise Ireland clients.

Business Expansion Grant

Managed by the County & City Enterprise Boards, this grant may be awarded to companies who have up to 10 employees but may not fit the Enterprise Ireland portfolio.  In general terms under this grant, 50% of the investment or €80,000 whichever is lesser is payable, subject to terms and conditions.

Feasibility Grant

Managed by the County & City Enterprise Boards the Feasibility Grant may be awarded to companies who have up to 10 employees but may not fit the Enterprise Ireland portfolio.  Funds up to €20,000 are available under this grant.

Feasibility Study Grant

The Enterprise Ireland Feasibility Study Grant is designed to assist companies investigate the viability of manufacturing a new product or service, or to develop a new internationally traded service.  The maximum funding available is 50% of eligible expenditures.

Key Manager Support

Managed by Enterprise Ireland, this grant provides partial funding towards the cost of recruiting a Key Manager with skills critical to the future growth of the business.  The maximum support level is 50% of eligible costs, up to a limit of 1 year’s salary of €80,000.

Mentor Network

Managed by Enterprise Ireland, this initiative provides funding towards the engagement of experienced mentors to support your business.  Funding of €175 per day for 10 days is available to SMEs (employing 10 -249 people) and new high potential startup companies who are clients of EI, CEB or Údarás na Gaeltachta.

R&D Advocates Programme

Managed by Enterprise Ireland, this programme supports the provision of an R&D advocate to determine if R&D can help your business.  Consultancy is provided at a subsidised rate to clients of EI, CEB and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

R&D Fund – Small Projects

Managed by Enterprise Ireland, this fund is available to companies who wish to pursue R&D projects, where expenditure will not exceed €150,000.  A grant rate of up to 50% of the total cost is allocated, depending on the size of the company to clients of EI, CEB and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

R&D Fund – Large Projects

Managed by Enterprise Ireland, this fund is available to companies who wish to pursue larger R&D projects.  A grant amount of up to €650,000 is payable, based on a maximum of 50% of the costs of the project, and depending on the size of the company.  This grant is available to clients of EI, CEB and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Research, Development & Innovation Programme

Managed by the IDA, this programme is available to clients of the IDA and designed to support activities in industrial research and experimental development.  Grant percentage levels are subject to negotiation between the client company and the IDA.