Commercialisation Fund

Enterprise Ireland works with Irish Third Level innovators every day and fully understands the challenges of Commercialising new ideas.

Our Commercialisation Specialists work in collaboration with the Technology Transfer Offices and relevant research teams to validate potential opportunities, craft robust applications, put the right project plans in place and provide relevant networking supports through industry engagement.

Over the last decade, Enterprise Ireland’s Commercialisation Fund has been supporting third level researchers through both financial and soft supports, to translate their research into innovative and commercially viable products, services and companies. Operating throughout the Higher Education Institutions and non-profit Research Performing Organisations in Ireland, this state funded research has the potential to result in the commercialisation of new innovations ideally by way of new company creation in Ireland or by way of license of the technology to companies in Ireland.

Case Studies

AudioSourceRE is a recent spin-out from Cork institute of Technology with innovative audio separation technology. Read more here

Senoptica Technologies has innovative technology that identifies the gas content of modified atmosphere packaging. Read more here.

Cala Medical is a spin-out from the University of Limerick with a ground-breaking treatment for sepsis. Read more here.

Researchers in Enterprise Ireland’s Medical & Engineering Technology Gateway in Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology are developing a novel device for treating heart failure. Read more here.

See more Case Studies here

Commercialisation Fund Programme

Commercialisation Fund Feasibility Grant

Enterprise Ireland's Commercialisation Fund Feasibility award is designed to provide researchers with the ability to validate the commercial opportunity for their technology.
Researchers can access a grant of €15,000 to procure an independent industry expert consultant to conduct a market opportunity assessment and explore potential routes to commercialisation for their technology.
Contact a member of the Commercialisation Specialist team for more information.

Commercialisation Fund Award

Enterprise Ireland’s full Commercialisation Fund award grant provides third-level researchers with the support required to transform commercially relevant research into investable high potential start-ups.
Significant funding will allow researchers to develop, build and validate their technology both technically and commercially using a tailored development plan.
Applicants will be assigned a dedicated commercialisation specialist along with additional non-financial EI supports over the course of the project to de-risk their technology in line with market need.
Please contact your Commercialisation Specialist to discuss your commercialisation journey today.
Download our Commercialisation Fund brochure.

Current Calls

Commercialisation Fund Feasibility Grant - We are currently operating an open call for feasibility applications so you can submit an application at any time.
Commercialisation Fund Award - Call for Proposals is now open and will close for applicants at 3pm on Friday 7th July, 2023.
Enterprise Ireland also facilitates invited proposals, outside of the open call deadlines. Invited proposals are those where a credible commercial case for the technology or innovation has been well validated through interaction with the Technology Transfer Office and the Commercialisation Specialist.
Invited proposals can also include resubmissions from a previous call where the proposals have been strengthened based on the panel comments and the Director is satisfied to invite the proposal for submission.

Benefits of the Fund

	With the support of a dedicated Commercialisation Specialist at each stage of the journey you and your team can realise the commercial potential of your ideas and develop a commercially focused project plan.
	Team Formation: Researchers can access the right blend of skillsets and knowledge necessary to form the basis of a strong co-founding team.
	Market validation: Through regular industry engagement researchers can refine the value proposition in line with market insight and identify and validate the potential customer base. Enterprise Ireland clients have access to a range of market research reports through our Market Research Centre.
	Commercial Engagement: Enterprise Ireland's Business Partner Programme gives you and your team the opportunity to engage with industry professionals who have the commercial expertise necessary to grow and lead new companies. Access industry networks through our Mentor Programme who have the start-up experience & skills to act as a sounding board for company establishment.
	Personal Development: Develop new skills whilst attaining personal satisfaction and growth. Expand your career opportunities beyond research/academia. Read some of our case studies below.

More information

Meet your Commercialisation Specialist team

The Commercialisation Fund Programme is supported by a team of 16 Commercialisation Specialists. The Commercialisation Specialist teams cover three Technology Directorates; Life Sciences, Food, Information Communications Technology (ICT) and Manufacturing, Engineering and Energy (MEEC). Each Commercialisation Specialist is assigned a portfolio of Research Institutions and will work with applicants and Technology Transfer Officers from those Institutions to meet the criteria required for a Commercialisation Fund proposal.
The Commercialisation Specialist will provide guidance and support to applicants during the application process, they will work with the applicant to identify gaps in their application and develop the required commercial deliverables. For successful applicants, the Commercialisation Specialist will also support the funded project plan, monitor the agreed deliverables from stage to stage and ensure that the project team are introduced to the wider Enterprise Ireland supports and networks available for the successful commercialisation of research.
Contact details for the relevant Commercialisation Specialist team can be found via the relevant Technology Transfer Office or you can identify your Commercialisation Specialist and connect directly via email.

Key dates and eligibility criteria

There are two open calls for Commercialisation Fund applications annually, one closing in February and one closing in July.
Access the online application system Smart Simple portal.
For all applicants who are considering submitting an application to the open call, it is strongly encouraged to engage with the relevant Technology Transfer Office and their Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Specialist at least one month in advance of the open call deadline to seek support and guidance on their proposal.
Enterprise Ireland also facilitates invited proposals, outside of the open call deadlines. Invited proposals are those where a credible commercial case for the technology or innovation has been well validated through interaction with the Technology Transfer Office and the Commercialisation Specialist.
Invited proposals can also include resubmissions from a previous call where the proposals have been strengthened based on the panel comments and the Director is satisfied to invite the proposal for submission.
All researchers including staff on contract in 3rd level research institutions (e.g. post-doctoral scientists) and non-profit research performing organisations and agencies in the Republic of Ireland can apply.

Top tips for preparing your application

Engage with a member of Enterprise Ireland’s dedicated Commercialisation Specialist Team early in your journey.
Utilise the Commercialisation Fund Feasibility Grant as a means to validate the commercial opportunity, access industry expert advice and build networks, explore routes to commercial exploitation, shape your development workplans and de-risk your project.
Engage with your relevant Technology Transfer Office early to help navigate the process and to access support and expertise.
Reach out and validate the demand, feasibility & credibility of your idea through Customer Discovery with relevant technical and commercial industry experts.

Enterprise Ireland featured events

Enterprise Ireland host events to showcase the commercial opportunities emerging from Ireland's Higher Education Institutes such as Big Ideas Showcase which present the spin-outs and commercial opportunities emerging from Ireland's Higher Education Institutes. These events are attended by venture capitalists, angel and private investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, international and Irish business executives.

Supports for spin outs

Spin-out companies supported by Enterprise Ireland can locate in campus incubators and will receive dedicated support and advice on access to venture capital, targeting and servicing new customers and markets. For more information, read more on our supports for spin-out companies.

Programme guidance documents

FAQs

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Contact

For general enquiries, please contact:

Majella Maher

Senior Commercialisation Specialist

Enterprise Ireland

Majella Maher

Ann Carolan

System Administrator

Enterprise Ireland

Help.cf@enterprise-ireland.com

For more information on programmes and supports for commercialisation of college-based research, go to the Researchers section of the website.