Competitive Start Fund (CSF)

The purpose of the Competitive Start Fund is to accelerate the growth of start-up companies that have the capacity to succeed in global markets. The fund is designed to enable those companies to reach key technical and commercial milestones.

Applicants to the fund should ideally be able to demonstrate the following:

Be able to clearly demonstrate that product or service has reached MVP stage, and that the product is, at a minimum, live in beta.
That the product or service has demonstrable customer validation with (trial and/or paying) customers.
A fully articulated proposition addressing a clear gap in the market with market research conducted with customers / potential customers.
Evidence of innovation, export potential and employment capacity. Clear market opportunity for the proposed product or service. Clear knowledge of the competitive landscape.
Clear execution plan outlined, identifying suitable channels to international markets.

Assessments are undertaken on the applications submitted, it is important to note that the greater the progress the applicant has undertaken towards generating sustainable revenues the stronger the application. Applications from projects that are at idea, concept or design stage may be considered to require further development before applying for the competitive start fund.

Download Start-up Showcase Directory 2018

All applications to the Competitive Start Fund must be made via the Enterprise Ireland online application system during call open dates.

Upcoming Competitive Start Fund 2018 Call Dates

Call No	Call Name	Call Open	Call Close
No. 50	All Sectors - with focus on ICT	23rd Jan	6th Feb
No. 51	Regional Entrepreneurship	27th Feb	13th March
No. 52	Graduate Entrepreneurship	10th Apr	24th Apr
No. 53	Female Entrepreneurship	1st May	15th May
No. 54	Fintech & Deep Tech (AI/ML, AR/VR, IoT, blockchain & cloud)	19th June	3rd July
No. 55	Marine & Agritech	10th July	24th July
No. 56	International Entrepreneurs	21st Aug	4th Sept
No. 57	Experienced Business Professionals	21st Aug	4th Sept
No. 58	All Sectors with focus on Manuf/Lifesciences/Renewables	18th Sept	2nd Oct

Please note: call open and close dates outlined above are subject to change.

Key contact/more information

For more information on the Competitive Start Fund, please contact:

csf@enterprise-ireland.com
+353 1 727 2202 (9am - 5pm)

If you are not a client of Enterprise Ireland and want to learn more about qualifying and applying for Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up supports, go to our Start a Business Section