PhDStart

PhDStart is a strand within EI's GradStart talent programme that funds companies to hire newly-graduated PhDs onto a defined R&D project linked to the company's overall innovation strategy. EI co-funds 50% of the PhD graduate's salary up to €62,000 over a 24-month full-time contract — based on the Irish Universities Association researcher pay scale (Post-Doctoral Researcher Point 1). The company can pay more, but the EI grant cap is fixed. Companies must appoint an in-company R&D mentor and provide adequate research infrastructure. Open to all Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta clients employing 5+ FTEs in Ireland (10+ FTEs for three graduates), large companies (in certain circumstances), and HPSU Accelerate companies that have drawn down their EI equity at least 6 months prior. Graduates must hold a PhD (Level 10) and have graduated within 4 years, or be in their final 12 months and have submitted their thesis before contract start. Application is via the Online Application System after a matchmaking expression-of-interest with knowledgetransferireland.com. State Aid basis: De Minimis (Regulation EU 2023/2831).

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.