IP Start

IP Start helps companies obtain external expert Intellectual Property advisory and support services to address IP issues, such as prior-art research, IP audits, patent drafting/filing, and trademark registration. Companies do not need to be R&D active to be eligible, but must demonstrate export potential; the grant is payable at a rate of 80% of eligible costs, up to a maximum grant of €2,160 for companies employing 1-10 people, or €5,000 for companies employing 10 or more.

Grant range: Up to €5,000
Funding level: 80%
Support type: Grant
Last checked: 3 Sept 2026

Start this application

About this scheme

IP Start, part of Údarás na Gaeltachta's IP Strategy Supports, helps Irish-owned companies engaged in manufacturing or eligible internationally traded services obtain external expert Intellectual Property advisory and support services to address IP issues. Unlike the related IP Plus scheme, companies do not need to be R&D active to qualify, though they must demonstrate potential for export. Eligible expenditure covers prior-art research in support of an RD&I Technical Feasibility study, IP audits, drafting and filing a patent, and registering a trademark. Funding ranges from €2,700 up to €6,300, with the exact amount depending on company size. 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

Irish-owned companies engaged in manufacturing and/or eligible internationally traded services
Companies do not have to be R&D active to be eligible, but must demonstrate potential for export
Eligible expenditure: prior-art research in support of an RD&I Technical Feasibility study; IP audit; drafting and filing a patent; registering a trademark, etc.
For companies employing 1-10 people: up to 3 days consultancy for expert IP counselling/support at a maximum rate of €900/day (inclusive of travel, subsistence and all out-of-pocket expenses), total grantable expenditure of €2,700
For companies employing 10+ people: up to 7 days consultancy for expert IP counselling/support at a maximum rate of €900/day, total grantable expenditure of €6,300

How to apply

Contact the relevant Údarás na Gaeltachta regional office (Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Waterford or Meath) for advice and support.
Complete a grant application form, available at www.udaras.ie or from any regional office.
Submit the completed application form to the appropriate regional office.
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.
As a condition of funding, implement a language plan to promote the use of Irish in the business.
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.