Grants & collaboration
Find the route that fits the project — not the other way round.
Start with the work, the organisation leading it, the partners required and whether material activity has already begun. IRDG helps members structure that first pass before the responsible agency conversation.
Before work begins
Do not assume costs already incurred will be eligible.
Some supports require an application before project work starts. IRDG cannot determine whether prior work affects an application. Confirm the current position with the responsible agency before committing expenditure.
Route by project shape
What kind of work are you setting up?
Six common shapes. The route named beside each is what to check first, not a determination that the project fits it.
Company-led R&D
A non-routine product, service or process-development project led within the company.
Worth checkingRD&I Fund or the relevant agency routeA first research collaboration
An SME needs a knowledge provider to investigate a defined problem or opportunity.
Worth checkingInnovation VoucherHow one member found research expertise (Archway Roadmaster)
A substantial research partnership
A company and an Irish research institute undertake a larger joint research programme.
Worth checkingInnovation Partnership ProgrammeAn all-island innovation project
An established SME needs a dedicated person and academic expertise across the two jurisdictions.
Worth checkingInterTradeIreland Innovation BoostA disruptive multi-party project
An ambitious technology consortium with a credible commercialisation pathway.
Worth checkingDTIF, when a live call and full conditions are publishedAn IDA client R&D project
An existing IDA client developing or expanding R&D activity in Ireland.
Worth checkingIDA client adviser and current RD&I routeCollaboration readiness
Make the partnership useful before making it fundable.
The strongest collaboration has a real capability reason — not partners assembled to fit a scheme.
- A named problem owner in the company.
- A clear business and technical outcome.
- The expertise missing internally.
- A proposed partner, or a precise partner brief.
- Defined company and partner work packages.
- Project governance and decision rights.
- An initial view of IP, access rights and confidentiality.
- Budget, internal contribution and cash-flow capacity.
- Commercialisation or implementation plan.
- Agency-client relationship confirmed.
Briefings
Grant briefings and agency sessions.
- Funding Innovation - Expert Insights & StoriesRegister
Booking opens on IRDG's events platform. For booking help or to discuss access requirements, contact IRDG before the event.
Scoping a project?
Tell us the shape of the work and who needs to be in it.
Describe the outcome, the stage, the partners you think you need and any deadline. We will help you identify the route worth checking and the agency conversation to have first.