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Research and development supports

Research and development is an expensive yet crucial part to any business - it's the way to set your service apart from your competitors or test whether your product will be a success before you make that significant investment. 

Whether you’re planning to undertake research and development for the first time or looking to step up a project, there is plenty of Government support available to help businesses, big and small, across all sectors get the most out of R&D. We’ve put together a profile of some supports available from a number of State Agencies. If you're interested in applying for any of these supports, do check out the Agency's websites for more detail on the terms and conditions for applying.

Enterprise Ireland Technical Feasibility Study

The Technical Feasibility Study grant of up to €35,000 helps companies develop a plan for an R&D, innovation or international collaboration project. This includes looking at solutions available in the third level sector, prototype development and an analysis of the commercial feasibility of the project. Applications for the grant can be made at any stage during the year through Enterprise Ireland’s online application system 
More information about the fund can be found here.

Enterprise Ireland R&D Fund: Small Projects

The Small Projects fund of up to €150,000 was set up to support companies undertaking R&D for the first time or companies progressing R&D activity in the business. The fund geared towards businesses looking to:

  • Establish or increase R&D activity
  • Develop a connection between R&D and the overall business objectives
  • Establish or increase the R&D capability of a company
  • Establish or develop quality R&D management systems and procedures

Applications are considered on a monthly basis. The maximum grant rates for all companies that apply for the fund is up to 50% of the total cost of the project and grant rates are determined by the size of the company. Details on the application process and more information on the fund can be found here.

Enterprise Ireland R&D Fund: Standard Projects

Supporting innovation in services, products and processes, the R&D Fund is suitable for companies that are ready to progress to larger projects or want to set their own research agenda. With a maximum grant of €650,000, the fund enables companies to:

  • Establish an R&D budget
  • Establish an R&D team with high level skills
  • Develop quality facilities for R&D
  • Develop good quality R&D management systems and procedures

Like the small projects fund, applications are considered on a monthly basis. The maximum grant rates for all companies that apply for the fund is up to 50% of the total cost of the project and grant rates are determined by the size of the company. Details on the application process and more information on the fund can be found here.

Údarás na Gaeltachta Research and Development Grant Scheme

Research and development grants are available from Údarás na Gaeltachta to assist businesses developing innovative products and services which will lead to an enhancement of their ability to perform in increasingly competitive markets. The grant covers a range of costs, including R&D salaries, directly related additional overheads, the cost of capital assets for the duration of the research project, costs of contractual research, technical knowledge and patents bought or licensed from outside sources and other operating expenses. The application form and more information on the scheme is available here.

LEO’s Feasibility Study Grants

The Feasibility Study Grants from Local Enterprise Offices gives priority to businesses in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sectors which over time can develop into strong export entities and graduate to the Enterprise Ireland portfolio. The grant of up to €15,000 covers assistance with innovation including specific consultancy requirements, hiring of expertise from third level colleges’ private specialists, design and prototype development. More information on the grants and the eligibility criteria is available here.

Supporting SMEs Online Tool

To find out about more supports available to your business, check out the Supporting SMEs Online Tool.