The Proof of Concept programme aims to support academic researchers to explore innovative scientific concepts with commercial potential.  We seek concepts that demonstrate:

• A unique approach over existing alternatives
• An ability to address a significant customer/end-user need
• The potential to positively impact the Irish economy 

The scheme focuses on a proof of concept model where individuals or small groups work on short applied projects to develop a product concept through to a stage where an understanding of the commercial viability of the concept is gained.
 
It is not expected from the outset that researchers will be in a position to immediately proceed to commercialisation but that an assessment of the possible rationale of future steps is undertaken.  It is anticipated that successful projects will bring the research concept a step closer to the market.
 
Grants will cover 100% of all eligible costs (personnel, equipment, material and travel*) and will range from €50,000-€100,000 over a 12 month period.
 
*Note only Irish based researchers are eligible for travel costs.  Overheads are not funded on a project basis.  A separate mechanism exists to cover institutes' overhead costs.

Application

If you are making an application, you are advised to read the Guidebook for Applicants and Evaluators 2008 section before filling out and completing the Proposal Application Form 2008 .  At this pre-submission stage, you are strongly urged to seek advice from the appropriate Technology Area Representative listed below to determine if the scientific, commercial and strategic elements of your proposal falls within the scope of this fund.    If you have any questions regarding the 2008 Call for Proposals, please contact the Commercialisation Fund Manager:

Lisa Keating, Commercialisation Fund Manager

Assessment

Enterprise Ireland is interested in funding proposals in all disciplines in the fields of science and engineering.  All proposals are assessed under 3 different key technology areas:

• Life Science & Food
• Information & Communication Technology
• Industrial Technologies

Each proposal is assessed on individual merit by Commercialisation Specialists within Enterprise Ireland - see the Assessment Form 2008.  The evaluation process is validated by external moderators.  Further information is contained in the Guidebook for Applicants and Evaluators 2008.  You will be provided with feedback on your proposal regardless of whether or not you are funded.

Timetable

Past Results and Statistics

The Proof of Concept was launched at the beginning of 2003.  A total of over 350 proposals have been supported to date over the course of 13 Rounds to the sum of over €28 million.  More information can be obtained below. 

Funded Proposals

Approved Proposals for Winter 2007
Statistics for Winter 2007

Approved Projects for Summer 2007
Statistics for Summer 2007

Approved Projects for Spring 2007
Statistics for Spring 2007

Approved Projects for Winter 2006
Statistics for Winter 2006

Approved Projects for Summer 2006
Statistics for Summer 2006

Approved Projects Spring 2006
Statistics for Spring 2006

Approved Projects Winter 2005
Statistics for Winter 2005

Approved Projects Summer 2005
Statistics for Summer 2005

Approved Projects for Spring 2005
Statistics for Spring 2005

Approved Projects Winter 2004
Statistics for Winter 2004

Approved Projects Summer 2004
Statistics for Summer 2004

Approved Projects Spring 2004
Statistics for Spring 2004

Approved Projects Winter 2003
Statistics for Winter 2003

Approved Projects Spring 2003
Statistics for Spring 2003

For report templates, project alteration requests and other standard forms for Institute contracts, go to Institute Contracts - Standard Forms

Contacts

Commercialisation Fund Manager: Lisa Keating Tel: +(353 1) 727 2707

Life Science & Food Directorate: Cepta Duffy, Biotechnology Directorate Tel: +(353 1) 727 2642

Informatics: John Fagan, Informatics Research Initiative Tel: +(353 1) 727 2784

Industrial Technologies: Kevin Donnelly, Industrial Technologies Tel: +(353 1) 727 2505

The Proof of Concept phase is one of three phases of the Commercialisation Fund.