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Enterprise Ireland

31 schemes tracked

Commercialisation Fund: Proof of Concept Funding

This Enterprise Ireland funding helps third-level researchers de-risk their technology and prove concept of commercial need, as part of the wider Commercialisation Fund. It provides an intermediate level of funding, up to €100,000, to demonstrate proof of concept.

Grant range
Up to €100,000
Funding level
100%
Support type
Grant
Last checked
4 Sept 2026
Start this application on Enterprise Ireland's website (opens in a new tab)

About this scheme

Proof of Concept Funding, part of Enterprise Ireland's wider Commercialisation Fund, supports third-level researchers to translate their research into innovative and commercially viable products, services and companies. It can be used to de-risk technology and prove concept of commercial need, providing an intermediate level of funding of up to €100,000 over a 12-month period, sitting between the smaller Feasibility Grant and the broader, uncapped Commercialisation Fund Award. It supports activities such as customer discovery, prototype development and early-stage human-use studies, helping researchers validate both the technical feasibility and market need for their innovation, alongside non-financial supports such as mentoring, networking and team development. Applications are submitted through Enterprise Ireland's SmartSimple online application portal, a distinct system from the general Access Advice application route used by other Enterprise Ireland grants.

Who can apply

  • Applicant must be a third-level researcher based in Ireland
  • All researchers, including staff on contract in third-level research institutions (e.g. post-doctoral scientists), and non-profit research-performing organisations and agencies in the Republic of Ireland can apply
  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to engage with their institution's Technology Transfer Office and their Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Specialist before applying
  • Funding is used to de-risk technology and prove concept of commercial need, over a typical project duration of up to 12 months

How to apply

  1. Read the eligibility requirements
  2. Contact a member of Enterprise Ireland's dedicated Commercialisation Specialist Team to discuss the proposed project, and it is strongly encouraged to also engage with your institution's Technology Transfer Office
  3. Once ready to apply, submit an application through Enterprise Ireland's online SmartSimple application system (a separate portal from the general Access Advice online application system); the online application forms provide a step-by-step guide for each tab; applications are accepted on an open, rolling-call basis
  4. If approved, receive a Letter of Offer/Grant Agreement, then carry out the approved project
  5. Submit Financial Claims using the Standard Financial Claim Form, and submit any Project Alteration Forms and Technical/Commercialisation Reports using the relevant templates (e.g. PI Technical and Commercialisation Report, Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Specialist Report, or CF Feasibility Report, as applicable)
  6. Submitted claims/forms/reports not fully completed will be returned; a Financial Claim that is in order is passed for approval and a payment request is made to the Finance Department, while a Project Alteration Form or Technical Report is forwarded to the Programme Manager or Commercialisation Specialist for the project, who will inform the applicant whether it is approved or rejected