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Údarás na Gaeltachta

31 schemes tracked

Exploring Innovation

Exploring Innovation supports companies to develop a robust innovation and R&D strategy, enabling more strategic planning so they can pinpoint key resources, anticipate risks, and rigorously test their approach before implementation. The grant is payable at a rate of 50% of eligible expenditure, up to a maximum grant of €35,000, with the level of funding assessed case-by-case.

Grant range
€35,000
Funding level
50%
Support type
Grant
Last checked
3 Sept 2026
Start this application on Údarás na Gaeltachta's website (opens in a new tab)

About this scheme

Exploring Innovation, part of Údarás na Gaeltachta's Research, Development & Innovation Supports, helps companies build a strong innovation and R&D strategy to unlock the full potential of their investment in innovation, giving them clarity to pursue objectives, identify key resources, anticipate risks, and rigorously test their approach before implementation. Eligible projects include developing strategic thinking around disruptive technologies, identifying possible research partners in the third-level sector, developing prototypes to evaluate project options, conducting feasibility studies to assess resources, risks and potential return on investment, and creating a project plan that could form the basis of a future R&D or Innovation funding application. The grant covers 50% of eligible expenditure up to a maximum of €35,000, with funding levels assessed on a case-by-case basis. As with other schemes, payment is made on receipt of a valid claim supported by documentation confirming that all grant conditions were met and approved expenditure was paid.

Who can apply

  • Engaged in, or proposing to engage in, manufacturing or in eligible internationally traded services
  • Employ a minimum of 10 staff
  • Eligible costs: salaries & overheads, consultancy fees, and prototype costs
  • General management consultancy, including business strategy development and feasibility of investment in Digital IT systems, is not covered under this support
  • Applications are assessed case-by-case, considering: (a) the need for financial support, (b) previous funding provided to the company, and (c) the potential for employment and sales growth

How to apply

  1. Contact the relevant Údarás na Gaeltachta regional office (Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Waterford or Meath) for advice and support.
  2. Complete a grant application form, available at www.udaras.ie or from any regional office.
  3. Submit the completed application form to the appropriate regional office.
  4. If approved, financial support applies from the date of issue of the Letter of Acknowledgement of receipt of application; grant aid cannot be approved retrospectively for expenditure incurred before this date.
  5. As a condition of funding, implement a language plan to promote the use of Irish in the business.
  6. Claim the grant by submitting a valid claim with supporting documentation confirming that all grant conditions were met and that all approved expenditure has been paid.