Local Enterprise Office
Agile Innovation Fund
The Agile Innovation Fund supports the development of new or substantially improved products, services, or processes where total project cost is under €300,000. It suits R&D newcomers and companies running short product life cycles or small/short innovation projects.
- Grant range
- Up to €135,000
- Funding level
- 25–45%
- Support type
- Grant
- Last checked
- 3 Sept 2026
About this scheme
The Agile Innovation Fund backs the development of new or substantially improved products, services, or processes for projects costing under €300,000 in total, with grant rates of 25-45% of eligible costs (depending on company size) up to a maximum of €135,000. It covers activities ranging from technical R&D challenges to innovation in service delivery or business models (Digital Process Innovation), including new/improved products or services, digitalisation of existing processes, acquisition of new knowledge and skills, and prototyping/testing/validation. Routine product or process changes are not covered. The fund is open to all companies but particularly suits those new to R&D, operating on short product life cycles, or running small/short projects. To apply, businesses contact their Local Enterprise Office Executive, who supports them through the application process.
Who can apply
- Must be an established, registered, Irish-based manufacturing or internationally traded services company
- Must be trading with positive EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation)
- Must be able to show adequate cash resources to implement the proposed project
- Total project cost must be less than €300,000
- Eligible costs include existing/new staff costs, overheads, materials, consultancy, travel & subsistence, and certification/clinical trials — capital equipment is not an eligible cost
- Routine changes to existing products or processes are not eligible
- Grant rate depends on company size: 45% for small companies, 35% for medium companies, 25% for large companies, up to a maximum grant of €135,000
- Collaboration projects carry different terms — applicants should contact their Local Enterprise Office for details
How to apply
- Contact your Local Enterprise Office Executive to discuss your proposed project and confirm eligibility.
- Your Local Enterprise Office Executive will support you in preparing and making your application, including details of the project's R&D or Digital Process Innovation activity and its costs.
- For projects involving collaboration with other companies, contact your Local Enterprise Office for specific details before applying.