Funding Opportunities

There are many opportunities for companies to become involved in research with 4C with funding provided in whole or in part by government or European Union programmes.

This page provides up-to-date information on some of these programmes. Even though there may not be a suitable call at the moment, it may be beneficial just to contact us to express an interest, so that we can inform you of possible collaborations in the future. Contact Dr James Little for more information or to propose a project.

SFI

Industry Research Partnerships

Research funding awards for collaboration between SFI funded scientists & engineers and industry. SFI?s supplementary contribution to the joint project can be up to ?50k/year. Awards should mainly be used to fund people working within the existing SFI research team, e.g. shared post grad students & post docs.

Deadline : Rolling call. No more information at present when the review dates are.

Cork Enterprise Board

Supports small local businesses with advice/courses/mentoring on business practices. A small amount of funding is available for personnel or equipment on production of a business plan. There is also funding for feasibility studies. Enterprise boards are located throughout Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland

Commercialisation Funds

Seeks to encourage and facilitate high quality applied research aimed at the commercial exploitation of knowledge. In doing so, it is recognised that this process is an uncertain activity and that the conversion of scientific principles into the commercial environment requires sustained support. Although these grants are aimed at research centres, it is important to have some commercial/industrial input to these proposals. There are three types of grants.

Proof of Concept

Supports academic researchers in establishing that a scientific concept, from whatever source, is sufficiently robust, is seen to address a viable market and is not encumbered by intellectual property considerations. Grants to a indicative level of ?90k may be awarded for a period typically of up to 12 months or exceptionally 18 months subject to a competitive evaluation process.

Deadline : 3 times a year

Technology Development

Designed to assist researchers in accomplishing substantive applied research projects based on a foundation of confidence that the underlying technologies are sound and that there is a reasonable prospect of serving a worthwhile, identifiable market. Under this phase, grants of typically no more than ?350k over 24 to 36 months may be awarded on the basis of technical excellence and a competitive assessment of the commercial prospects for the research outputs.

Business Development

This phase through CORD ( Commercialisation of R&D ) - available for business planning and are targeted at individuals who are committed to starting their own enterprise. Support at 50% of costs is provided up to ?38,000 for market investigation, business plan development, etc.

Innovation Partnerships

Aims to stimulate new product and process development for industry through collaboration with Third Level Colleges resulting in mutually beneficial co-operation and interaction. Industry partner(s) are required. Enterprise Ireland may provide grants from 35% up to 75% of Third Level Institution total eligible costs only, subject to a maximum contribution of ?190,000. The participating company (-ies) will be expected to cover the remainder.

Deadline : 12 submissions points per year

Finance for Growth

Enterprise Ireland's objective in providing finance to our clients is to share risk in their growth and accelerate their competitive development. Our focus is on helping you build capability within your company as well as adding capacity.

Funding for Exploring New Opportunities

Investigating new ideas and markets is an essential aspect of business development ? but one that can often be expensive and time consuming. Enterprise Ireland can provide funding to help you explore new ideas/new markets.

Funding for Company Expansion

This category of funding is designed to help with funding for company?s expansion plans - including Research and Development (R&D) and training projects - to increase exports.

Funding for Research and Development

Research and development (R&D) is the key to the future of your business and is driven by market and competitive forces. Enterprise Ireland can provide research and development assistance for projects with

* Expenditure greater than ?95,200 via the competitive Research Technology and Innovation (RTI) Scheme.
* Expenditure greater than ?3 million via the non competitive R&D support.

EU Sixth Framework Programme

Co-operative research projects involving SMEs (CRAFT)

A number of SMEs from different countries assign a significant part of the research in a project to RTD performers, such as universities.

Genesis Enterprise Programme

The Genesis Enterprise Programme is a 12-month rapid incubation programme based in Cork, Ireland, that aims to support and accelerate graduate entrepreneurs in developing a business from a very early stage.

Deadline : January 1st, 2004

IDA

IDA Grants

Irish Government agency with responsibility for securing new investment from overseas in manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. It also encourages existing investors to expand and develop their business.

Irish Research Council for Science Engineering and Technology (IRCSET)

Funds post-graduate scholarships

(Post graduate scholarships) and (post doctoral fellowships ) for researchers in Ireland.