Enterprise Ireland encourages and supports high quality applied research aimed at the commercial exploitation of knowledge. It is recognised that this process is an uncertain activity and that the conversion of scientific principles into the commercial environment requires sustained support.
Enterprise Ireland offers a range of supports to publicly-funded researchers through the Commercialisation Fund.
The Commercialisation Fund has 3 phases:
- Proof of Concept phase
The Proof of Concept programme aims to support academic researchers to explore innovative scientific concepts with commercial potential. Grants of €50k to €100k may be awarded for up to 12 months. Click here to access Proof of Concept application forms
- Technology Development phase
The Technology Development programme is designed to assist researchers in accomplishing substantive applied research projects based on a foundation of confidence that the underlying technologies are sound and that there is a reasonable prospect of serving a worthwhile, identifiable market. Grants of €100k to €400k may be awarded for 18 to 36 months.
Click here for further information and to access Technology Development application forms
- Commercialisation Plus
Commercialisation Plus provides funding for those completed projects that have reached advanced commercialisation discussions with potential industrial partners, but need to address specific market validation issues. Commercialisation Plus proposals should be prepared together with your Technology Transfer Office (or equivalent) and an Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Specialist. Both Enterprise Ireland and non-Enterprise Ireland funded projects are eligible.
Click here to download a useful presentation which explains how the Commercialisation Fund operates Commercialisation presentation (pdf 1.3MB)
Protecting your Intellectual Property
Enterprise Ireland also offers an intellectual property fund for the Higher Education Sector to provide advice and financial supports to researchers in publicly funded research organisations. To learn more about the Intellectual Property fund click here
Third Level claim & report form templates
Click here for Third Level claim & report form templates.