Innovation Vouchers: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Small businesses in Ireland can use these vouchers to fund technical research through universities and colleges.
Innovation Vouchers are a support mechanism that allows small businesses to fund technical research and problem-solving through academic institutions.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically designed for small businesses that are facing a technical hurdle in their operations or product development. If your business needs to solve a specific technical problem but lacks the internal resources to conduct deep scientific or technical investigation, this scheme is intended to bridge that gap.
What you get
Successful applicants receive a €5,000 voucher. This voucher acts as a payment method to cover the costs of conducting research. The funds are intended to be used to pay for specialized research services provided by a college or a university, allowing you to access high-level academic expertise.
What it costs you
While the voucher provides the funding for the research itself, it requires an investment of your time and effort to manage the process. You are responsible for identifying and finding a registered knowledge provider—such as a university or a college—that has the specific expertise required to solve your technical problem. You must manage the relationship between your business and the academic institution to ensure the research meets your needs.
The catch to know
It is important to understand the strict limits on how this money can be spent. These vouchers are strictly for technical research and scientific investigation. You cannot use these vouchers for routine business consultancy, general management advice, or standard business administrative support. The focus must remain on solving a technical challenge through research.
How to apply
- Identify a specific technical problem within your business that requires research to solve.
- Search for and select a registered knowledge provider, such as a university or college, that has the expertise to assist you.
- Coordinate with the chosen academic institution to define the scope of the research.
- Submit your application through the official portal.