Innovation Boost
Funding to help SMEs access academic expertise, hire a project manager, and deliver innovation projects.
Who it is for
To qualify for Innovation Boost, your business must be:
- a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with 5-249 full time employees
- a manufacturing or tradable services company located on the island of Ireland (North or South)
- financially viable with at least two year trading history
- able to show the need for technical support and the capacity to innovate
- committed to supporting the project at senior management level
Wholesale/retail, distribution, tourism, hospitality, primary agriculture, and personal services are not eligible. Professional business services will only be considered where the proposed project will develop a product or service which will be traded internationally.
Support you can get
Delivered by InterTradeIreland, Innovation Boost provides:
- up to £56,000/€67,900 for an 18-month project (typically in the area of new product/service development)
- up to £39,000/€47,400 for a 12-month project (typically in the area of process improvement)
Successful applicants can receive 50% towards the cost of employing a dedicated project manager (to a ceiling) and 100% funding for academic expertise from an academic partner institution. You will also receive guidance from Innovation Boost consultants to shape the project and match you with the right expertise.
Projects can deliver new products, enhanced services, improved processes, greater efficiency, technical expertise, and stronger business-academic partnerships.
How to apply
Complete an initial assessment with InterTradeIreland to discuss your needs. If eligible, you'll be matched with an academic partner and supported to apply for funding.
Support organisers
- InterTradeIreland