The Project Feasibility Study is not intended to be a standalone, discrete piece of research. It is intended to provide a ‘stepping stone’ to enable researchers and third-level institutions to become involved in full Innovation Partnership projects with industrial partners.

The scope of the programme includes all science and engineering disciplines including environmental sciences, energy-efficient technologies, construction technologies as well as internationally traded service industries. The focus should be on a new product, process and/or services development. The duration of a Project Feasibility Study will be not more than six calendar months from the agreed start date. An open call programme operates with monthly approvals. The maximum grant awarded is €9,000.

The Innovation Partnership Programme encourages Irish-based companies to work with Irish research institutes resulting in mutually beneficial cooperation and interaction. Companies can access expertise and resources to develop new and improved products, processes, and services, generating new knowledge and know-how. The participating company benefits in terms of growth, the evolution of strategic research and the development and creation of new knowledge that it can use to commercial advantage. The research institute benefits in terms of developing skill sets, intellectual property and publications.

The Innovation Partnership Programme provides grants of up to 80% towards eligible costs of the research project. All Innovation Partnership projects require the company partner to provide a minimum cash contribution of 20% of the total project cost. In all cases, the partner company must have the resources to contribute its share of the funding for the research and to fund the commercialisation of the research, when completed.

The new Enterprise Ireland Agile Innovation Fund allows Irish companies to respond quickly to new opportunities and threats such as BREXIT, allowing the quick development of products, services and processes for new and existing markets. The fund allows eligible companies to access up to 50% in support for innovation projects with a total cost of up to €300,000.

Product development and innovation is at the heart of growth but often needs costly technology support. Previously known as Fusion, Innovation Boost can provide that support by helping to fund a high calibre science, engineering or technology graduate and partnering your business with a third level institution with specific expertise. The graduate is employed by your business and is based in your company throughout the project (12 – 18 months) with mentoring from the academic partner and InterTradeIreland Innovation Boost consultant. ITI Innovation Boost support cross-border business on the island of Ireland through developing and embedding innovation.

This will allow businesses or potential entrepreneurs to work with a public sector knowledge provider e.g. University, College or Institute of Technology (NI and ROI) on an innovation project. What could a £5000 Innovation Voucher do for your business?