Údarás na Gaeltachta
Research, Development & Innovation (R, D & I)
Research, Development and Innovation Grants are available to assist businesses in developing new markets, technologies, products and strategic alliances through research and development, enhancing their ability to perform in increasingly competitive markets. Grant rates depend on the size of the enterprise and the level of collaboration: Experimental Development is funded at 45% (small), 35% (medium) or 25% (large enterprise), rising to 60% (small), 50% (medium) or 40% (large) where the project involves effective collaboration between undertakings.
- Grant range
- Varies depending on business size and project type
- Funding level
- 25–60%
- Support type
- Grant
- Last checked
- 3 Sept 2026
About this scheme
Research, Development & Innovation (R,D&I) grants, at the head of Údarás na Gaeltachta's Research, Development & Innovation Supports section, help businesses develop new markets, technologies, products and strategic alliances through R&D, enhancing their competitiveness. Grant rates range from 25% up to 60% of eligible costs, depending on both enterprise size and whether the project involves collaboration between undertakings, with higher rates available where genuine collaboration is in place (for large enterprises, this must be cross-border or with at least one SME). No fixed maximum grant euro amount is stated on this page. 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. This grant serves as the general R&D funding mechanism underpinning several more specific R&D&I supports in the same document, such as Exploring Innovation, the Innovation Voucher and the Innovation Partnership Programme.
Who can apply
- Enterprises engaged in manufacturing or in eligible internationally traded services
- Eligible expenditure: salary costs; technical consultancy; contractual research; certification/clinical trials; patent costs; equipment rental; equipment purchase; materials overheads
- Grant rate for Experimental Development (R,D&I) without collaboration: 45% for a small enterprise, 35% for a medium enterprise, 25% for a large enterprise
- Grant rate for Experimental Development with Collaboration (subject to effective collaboration between undertakings; for large enterprises this must be cross-border collaboration or with at least one SME): 60% for a small enterprise, 50% for a medium enterprise, 40% for a large enterprise
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.