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Údarás na Gaeltachta

31 schemes tracked

Innovation Partnership Programme

The Innovation Partnership Programme (IPP) encourages Irish-based companies to collaborate with Irish research institutes to solve technical challenges, develop new and improved processes, products and services, and generate new knowledge and know-how, creating an innovative ecosystem that delivers impactful change. The grant is payable at a rate of up to 80% of the cost of the research work, up to a maximum grant of €200,000, though funding for High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs) and start-up companies is normally capped at €100,000.

Grant range
Up to €200,000
Funding level
80%
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

The Innovation Partnership Programme (IPP), part of Údarás na Gaeltachta's Research, Development & Innovation Supports, encourages Irish-based companies engaged in manufacturing or eligible internationally traded services to collaborate with Irish research institutes to solve technical challenges, develop new and improved products, processes and services, and generate new knowledge and know-how. Companies benefit through growth, evolution of their strategic R&D, and new commercially usable knowledge, while participating research institutes benefit through developing skill sets, IP, and publications. The programme runs in two phases: an initial outline proposal or feasibility study, followed by a Full Innovation Partnership Proposal Application. The grant covers up to 80% of the cost of the research work, up to €200,000. Payment follows an agreed schedule with the third-level institution rather than the standard single-claim process used elsewhere in this document.

Who can apply

  • Companies engaged in manufacturing or in eligible internationally traded services who wish to collaborate with one or more research institutes
  • High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) companies may join an Innovation Partnership, but grant funding is normally capped at €100,000 for HPSUs and start-up companies (rather than the standard €200,000 maximum)
  • Eligible costs: stipends/salaries; purchase of equipment; materials/consumables; travel/subsistence
  • The support is offered in two phases: Phase 1 offers a choice of (Option 1) submitting an Innovation Partnership Outline Proposal or (Option 2) applying for an Innovation Partnership Feasibility Study; Phase 2 is a Full Innovation Partnership Proposal Application

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. Submit a Phase 1 application: either an Innovation Partnership Outline Proposal, or an application for an Innovation Partnership Feasibility Study.
  3. Proceed to Phase 2 by submitting a Full Innovation Partnership Proposal Application.
  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. Agree a payments schedule with the third-level institution: a minimum of 20% must be paid upon acceptance and receipt of the project contract, and no more than 10% should remain outstanding once the final report is submitted.