Innovation Partnership Programme

The Innovation Partnership Programme provides funding of 40-80% of project costs for larger R&D projects that IDA client companies undertake in collaboration with publicly funded Irish research providers. Funding depends on company size and is paid directly to the research institute, with the client company contributing a minimum of 20% of the total project cost.

Grant range: Maximum project grant not stated. €9,000 for a feasibilty study
Funding level: 40–80%
Support type: Grant
Last checked: 3 Sept 2026

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About this scheme

The Innovation Partnership Programme is a Collaborative R&D support offered by IDA Ireland in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Research Ireland. It funds 40-80% of project costs (depending on company size), up to a maximum grant of €200,000, for larger R&D projects undertaken by IDA client companies in collaboration with publicly funded Irish research providers, with the grant paid directly to the research institute rather than the client company. Companies developing a full Innovation Partnership proposal can also avail of an associated Innovation Partnership Feasibility Study, which funds up to €9,000 for a short-term study to help the research institute develop the proposal. The programme sits within IDA's wider Collaborative R&D supports, alongside the IDA Collaborative R&D Grant and Innovation Vouchers. To begin, companies should contact their IDA Project Executive, who can advise on next steps.

Who can apply

For IDA client companies undertaking larger R&D projects in collaboration with publicly funded Irish research providers
Funding of 40-80% of project costs, with the percentage depending on company size, up to a maximum grant of €200,000 (confirmed via IDA's own Innovation and R&D Supports brochure; not explicit in the row's originally cited source page)
Client pays a minimum contribution of 20% of the total project cost
Grant is paid directly to the research institute

How to apply

Make contact with your IDA Project Executive to discuss the R&D collaboration project.
Where a full proposal needs to be developed, an Innovation Partnership Feasibility Study (funded up to €9,000) can be used for a short-term study to develop the full Innovation Partnership proposal.
Submit the Innovation Partnership Programme application in collaboration with the publicly funded Irish research provider.
If approved, the client company pays a minimum contribution of 20% of the total project cost; the grant (40-80% of project costs, depending on company size) is paid directly to the research institute.
For further information, contact your IDA Project Executive.