PhDStart

About this scheme

PhDStart is a new strand within Enterprise Ireland's GradStart programme, focused specifically on supporting companies to recruit high-calibre, innovative PhD graduates to drive company RD&I and strengthen innovation capabilities, in contrast to GradStart's broader degree-graduate focus. Companies can hire a PhD graduate on a full-time 24-month contract to work on an RD&I project or programme linked to the company's growth and innovation strategy, supported by an in-company mentor from the R&D department. Enterprise Ireland provides match-making support, connecting companies with suitable PhD candidates based on required expertise. Funding is co-funded 50:50, with Enterprise Ireland covering 50% of the graduate's salary costs up to a maximum of €62,000 over the 2 years, based on Irish Universities Association Post-Doctoral Researcher pay scales. Qualifying R&D expenditure, including PhD employment costs, may also be eligible for Ireland's 30% R&D corporation tax credit (companies should seek their own tax advice). Eligibility spans SME/mid-tier companies, certain Large companies, HPSU Accelerate companies, and Údarás na Gaeltachta clients, each with their own staff-count requirements. As a pilot programme, Enterprise Ireland monitors progress closely through regular feedback and check-ins.

Who can apply

• Open to Enterprise Ireland SME and mid-tier companies (fewer than 500 employees), Large companies (in certain circumstances), HPSU Accelerate companies, and Údarás na Gaeltachta clients (Údarás companies must apply directly to Údarás na Gaeltachta)
• Company must employ 5 full-time staff in Ireland (for 1 PhD graduate) or 10 full-time staff in Ireland (for 3 graduates)
• Company must be a client of Enterprise Ireland or Údarás na Gaeltachta
• HPSU Accelerate companies (eligible for 1 PhD graduate) must have a minimum of 5 full-time employees based in Ireland, have an approved EI equity investment (or be approved as a Non-Financial HPSU) drawn down at least 6 months prior to application, and demonstrate satisfactory progress against their business plan and adequate funding for the placement duration
• Large companies with an existing formal Graduate Programme can still apply for PhD-level support (unlike GradStart, which excludes large companies with an existing programme); the initiative seeks to support companies that are EBITA positive (EBITA-negative applications can only be approved as a policy exception)
• Company must identify an in-company mentor from the R&D department (or equivalent) to work with the graduate, who also acts as the main point of contact
• As a pilot programme, Enterprise Ireland will request regular feedback/check-ins from companies and PhD graduates to assess impact and performance
• PhD graduate must hold a Level 10 (doctorate) qualification and have graduated within the last 4 years, OR be in the final 12 months of their PhD (thesis must be submitted before starting the contract; if the Viva has not been completed, the company must allow the graduate time to complete it and any corrections)
• Graduate must have a valid Irish work permit (if required) for the 24-month placement, or a renewable 1-year working visa
• Graduate must be new to the company (existing employees not supported) and may not receive financial support from any other publicly funded programme
• Minimum gross salary for the PhD graduate is €62,000/year (equivalent to the IUA 'Post Doctoral Researcher' Point 1 pay scale), 50% of which is funded by Enterprise Ireland; the company may pay a higher salary at its own discretion, but Enterprise Ireland's contribution remains capped at €62,000 over the 2-year placement
• Ineligible companies: sole traders, partnerships, small enterprises in primary sectors (per State aid guidelines), companies with charitable status, commercial semi-state companies, not-for-profits, trade associations, representation bodies (e.g. Chambers of Commerce), sports clubs, and other non-commercial bodies
• Ineligible costs: recruitment costs, graduate-salary bonuses, Employers' PRSI, travel and subsistence (Ireland or overseas), accommodation costs, and any expenditure incurred before the application was received

How to apply

1. 1Email kti@knowledgetransferireland.com with 'PhDStart - [Your Company Name]' in the subject line to flag that you are considering an application, and contact your Enterprise Ireland Client Advisor to discuss further (if you don't have one, you must first become an Enterprise Ireland client)
2. 2Complete the Expression of Interest - Company-focused matchmaking form, describing the knowledge/expertise required from a PhD graduate, even if match-making support isn't needed
3. 3Enterprise Ireland runs a match-making process, suggesting suitable PhD candidates with a research-expertise biography; if the company wishes to proceed, EI shares contact information and the company meets the candidate(s) to confirm suitability
4. 4Once a PhD graduate is selected, the company and graduate co-design and agree the RD&I work programme/project(s), setting out the specific title, role and purpose of the position for the 2-year contract
5. 5Discuss the completed proposal with your Enterprise Ireland Advisor, then email kti@knowledgetransferireland.com (copying your EI Advisor) to proceed through the online application system; first-time applicants must register; there are no call close dates
6. 6If approved, the company has up to 6 months to recruit the approved PhD graduate; any post-Letter-of-Offer change to the graduate's title, role or purpose must be agreed with EI or the offer becomes null and void and funding is decommitted
7. 7Enterprise Ireland monitors the pilot programme closely, with the PhDStart programme manager contacting the graduate and company mentor at regular intervals to gather feedback and assess progress throughout the 24-month period