Innovation Voucher

About this scheme

The Innovation Voucher, part of Údarás na Gaeltachta's Research, Development & Innovation Supports, was developed to build links between Ireland's public knowledge providers (higher education institutes, public research bodies) and micro/small/medium-sized companies. It is open to most incorporated SMEs registered in Ireland, with a notable list of exclusions, including sole traders, partnerships, agricultural enterprises, charities, semi-state companies, and various non-commercial bodies. Vouchers can fund any kind of innovation activity, including new product/process or service development, new business model development, tailored innovation management training, or an innovation/technology audit. Two voucher types are available: a fully-funded Standard Voucher worth €10,000, and a 50:50 co-funded Fast Track voucher covering project costs up to €20,000, typically used once a company has exhausted its standard vouchers or where time to market is critical. 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

• Open to most small and medium-sized limited companies registered in Ireland; applicants must be incorporated to avail of the support
• Ineligible business sectors/structures: sole traders/partnerships; enterprises in the agricultural sector; companies with charitable status; commercial semi-state companies; 'not for profit' organisations; trade associations; holding companies; representative bodies (e.g. Chambers of Commerce); Sports Bodies & Associations; Sports Clubs; and other non-commercial bodies or associations
• Eligible uses include: new product/process development; new business model development; new service delivery and customer interface; new service development; tailored training in innovation management; innovation/technology audit
• Standard Voucher: applicants do not need to identify a knowledge provider in advance; valid for 12 months from date of issue; SMEs may avail of a maximum of three standard vouchers
• Co-funded Fast Track Voucher: company and knowledge provider jointly agree the work programme before applying; typically used once a company has exhausted its three standard vouchers, or where time-to-market is critical
• A company may have only one active/live voucher at a time and should ensure a voucher has been redeemed before applying for another; applicants may reapply for vouchers after a five-year period has elapsed once the maximum has been used

How to apply

1. 1Contact the relevant Údarás na Gaeltachta regional office (Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Waterford or Meath) for advice and support.
2. 2Complete a grant application form, available at www.udaras.ie or from any regional office (for a Fast Track voucher, agree the work programme with the knowledge provider jointly before applying).
3. 3Submit the completed application form to the appropriate regional office.
4. 4If 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. 5As a condition of funding, implement a language plan to promote the use of Irish in the business.
6. 6Claim 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.