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 PoC GuideBook for Applicants and Evaluators 2009 section before filling out and completing the PC Application Form 2009. 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:
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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 PoC Assessment Form 2009. The evaluation process is validated by external moderators. Further information is contained in the PoC GuideBook for Applicants and Evaluators 2009. You will be provided with feedback on your proposal regardless of whether or not you are funded.
Timetable
Please note that the 2010 schedule for Calls for Proposals has not been finalised. The website will be updated as soon as the new deadlines become available.
Past Results and Statistics
The Proof of Concept was launched at the beginning of 2003. A total of over 530 proposals have been supported to date over the course of 19 Rounds to the sum of over €45 million. More information can be obtained below.
Funded Proposals
Approved Projects PC Summer 2009
Statistics PC Summer 2009
Approved Projects PC Spring 2009
Statistics PC Spring 2009
Approved Projects for Winter 2008
Statistics for Winter 2008
Approved Projects for Summer 2008
Statistics for Summer 2008
Approved Projects for Spring 2008
Statistics for Spring 2008
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
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Commercialisation Fund Manager:
Lisa Keating
Tel: +(353 1) 727 2707 |
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Life Science & Food Directorate:
Cepta Duffy, Biotechnology Directorate
Tel: +(353 1) 727 2642 |
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Informatics:
John Fagan, Informatics Research Initiative
Tel: +(353 1) 727 2784 |
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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.