Innovation Voucher
Offers Innovation Vouchers in Ireland for small and medium companies to test focused innovation questions through registered knowledge providers with shared-cost vouchers.
Innovation Vouchers fund SMEs to engage a registered third-level Knowledge Provider — Higher Education Institute or public research body — on a specific innovation question such as a new product, process, service, business model, technology audit or feasibility study. Two flavours: a Standard €5,000 voucher (100% grant) and a Co-Funded €10,000 voucher (50% grant, company pays 50%). Vouchers are valid for 18 months from date of issue. The company may have only one active voucher at a time; a maximum of four vouchers over a five-year rolling period (3 standard + 1 co-funded). For SMEs (under 250 employees, turnover ≤€50m or balance sheet ≤€43m) that are limited companies registered in Ireland with a CRO number. Northern Ireland Knowledge Providers also accept Irish vouchers under EI-Invest NI arrangement. Application response normally within 4 weeks. Vouchers are exclusive of VAT — companies pay VAT separately to the knowledge provider. Companies approved for over €300,000 of EI funding in the previous 5 years can only apply for the Co-Funded variant.
Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.