€40m innovation fund opens for disruptive tech projects in Ireland
The Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund has opened a new call for proposals worth €40 million. It supports consortia that include at least one small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and three or more partners to develop and deploy disruptive technologies in Ireland. The program has previously supported dozens of projects since 2018, financed by government and administered by Enterprise Ireland.
What’s new in this round
Applications are invited for a new round that requires projects to include at least one SME and three or more partners, forming a consortium. The focus is on technologies with potential to change markets or create new ones, spanning sectors such as life sciences, medical devices, information and communications technology (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI), manufacturing, and environmental technologies.
Key facts you should know
• Total fund size: €40 million.
• Purpose: support development and deployment of disruptive technologies in collaboration with Ireland’s research base.
• Administration: handled by Enterprise Ireland for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
• Eligibility: consortia must include at least three partners, with at least one being an SME and all partners based in Ireland.
Who is affected
Businesses and research organizations in Ireland can join by forming consortia that include an SME partner and other enterprises. This includes companies across manufacturing, digital technologies, health tech, and environmental sectors, as well as universities and research institutes collaborating with industry partners.
Practical next steps for interested teams
1) Identify potential partners to form a minimum three-party consortium, ensuring at least one SME is involved. 2) Align project ideas with sectors supported by the fund (life sciences, AI, ICT, manufacturing, environmental tech, etc.). 3) Prepare an outline of commercial potential and research alignment to demonstrate disruptive impact. 4) Contact Enterprise Ireland or monitor official calls for detailed eligibility criteria and deadlines. 5) Prepare budgeting and governance plans suitable for collaborative research and development programs.
Limits and questions to consider
Details such as application deadlines, exact eligibility requirements, and reporting expectations are defined by the fund’s official call. Applicants should verify whether all partners must be headquartered in Ireland and how ‘disruptive’ is defined for project scoring. If you need specific guidance, consult Enterprise Ireland resources or the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for official guidance.
Which sources did Setup in Bahrain review?
Setup in Bahrain reviewed the following source material before preparing this explanatory article.
The links remain visible so readers can inspect the evidence, compare dates and context, and confirm current requirements with the relevant authority.
- techcentral.ie — evidence source reviewed for this article.
Information and responsibility notice: This article is general information based on the cited material available when published. It is not legal, tax, immigration, medical, financial, banking, or investment advice; it does not create a professional-client relationship; and it is not a guarantee of outcome, availability, accuracy, or eligibility. Rules, schedules, prices, and third-party information can change. Confirm material decisions with the relevant authority and an appropriately qualified adviser before acting.