Strategic Innovation & Entrepreneurship
for SMEs.
Supported through IRDG Innovation Skillnet and Skillnet Ireland's Pathway to Innovate programme. A cohort-based programme for SME leaders, running twice a year. Applications for the September 2026 cohort closed on 11 September; register your interest for the next cohort and we will contact you when applications open.
The problem it addresses
Designed around three constraints smaller companies face.
The same people do everything
In a company of forty, the person who would run an innovation project is often also the person shipping this month's orders. The programme structures the work so it survives that competition for time.
Test before you invest
Test ideas with small commitments of time and money before investing more heavily. The programme's methods — customer research, prototyping and experimentation — are built for that.
Support is hard to navigate
Grants, credits and agency supports exist, but the effort of finding the right one and applying is itself a barrier — which is why the programme covers the funding landscape rather than leaving it to chance.
How the programme runs
Work on your own business, alongside other SME leadership teams.
Bring two senior leaders from your company and work on opportunities in your own products, services, processes or business model. The programme combines learning, mentoring and time to apply the methods to your business, in a cohort of up to twelve companies. The September 2026 cohort is now under way; the next cohort follows in 2027.
At a glance
Programme dates, commitment and cost.
As published for the September 2026 cohort, kept here so you can see what a cohort involves. The next cohort's dates and fee will be published when applications open.
- Current status
- Applications for the September 2026 cohort closed on 11 September 2026. Register interest for the next cohort using the form below.
- Who it is for
- Founders, CEOs, managing directors and senior leaders of eligible Irish SMEs
- Company commitment
- Two senior leaders from each company take part
- When
- 22 September to 15 December 2026
- Format
- Five in-person days at Engine, Limerick (22–23 September, 27–28 October, 18 November), six online masterclasses on Wednesday mornings, and a capstone presentation day on 15 December
- Cohort
- Up to 12 companies — 24 participants
- Funding
- 90% supported through IRDG Innovation Skillnet, subject to eligibility; the participant fee is published with each cohort
- Programme outline
- The September 2026 outline remains on the events platform
For booking help or to discuss access requirements, contact IRDG before the event.
What you will develop
What your company takes away.
Use the programme to examine customer needs, test opportunities and decide where to focus. Sessions cover innovation strategy, leadership, business models, digital tools and managing a portfolio of projects.
- A clearer view of your company's innovation strengths and priorities.
- An innovation roadmap and a 90-day action plan tied to a project in your business.
- Experience using customer research, design thinking, prototyping and experimentation.
- A view of how AI, digital tools and funding options could support your plans.
- One-to-one mentoring for your company during the programme.
- Connections with the other SME leadership teams in the cohort.
The next cohort
Register interest, or ask whether your company is the right fit.
Tell us the size of the company and what you are trying to do. We will follow up within a working day, tell you whether the programme fits, and let you know as soon as applications for the next cohort open.