Enterprise Ireland R&D Fund
A grant towards the cost of a research and development project. The maximum rate for experimental development is 45% of eligible costs for a small company, 35% medium and 25% large, higher with collaboration and the rate offered can be lower. You co-fund the rest yourself.
Last checked October 2026
What it is
A co-funded grant for a company taking on a research and development project to create a new product, service or process. It is for client companies of Enterprise Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta or a Local Enterprise Office and you must apply before any work on the project starts.
Who can get it
- You are a manufacturing or internationally traded services company, trading internationally now or about to and a client of Enterprise Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta or a Local Enterprise Office
- Your company was EBITDA positive in its last accounting period, or for at least the nine months before you apply and can show it will stay EBITDA positive
- If you are a Local Enterprise Office or Údarás na Gaeltachta client, you employ at least 5 full-time staff in Ireland when you apply
- The project tackles a real technical challenge and is a step up in your research and development
- You can put matching funding towards the project
- It supports genuine R&D, not routine day-to-day product changes.
- You must apply to Enterprise Ireland before any work on the project starts.
- An Enterprise Ireland start-up client that has received High Potential Start-Up investment is typically not eligible for three years.
- The maximum grant rate for experimental development is 45% of eligible costs for a small company, 35% for a medium one and 25% for a large one, rising to 60%, 50% and 40% with collaboration. The terms of reference also allow a regional aid bonus of 5 percentage points and the rate offered can be lower than the maximum.
- Talk to Enterprise Ireland early, they help shape what your project can qualify for.
How to apply
Applications go through Enterprise Ireland. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 20 October 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
What does the Enterprise Ireland R&D Fund cover?
A co-funded grant towards a company's research and development project to create a new product, service or process. It supports genuine R&D, not routine day to day product changes.
Who can apply?
A manufacturing or internationally traded services company that is a client of Enterprise Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta or a Local Enterprise Office, trading internationally or about to and EBITDA positive in its last accounting period or the last nine months. Local Enterprise Office and Údarás na Gaeltachta clients need at least 5 full-time staff in Ireland. The project must tackle a real technical challenge and you co-fund part of it.
How much can I get?
Up to 45% of eligible costs for a small company, 35% for a medium one and 25% for a large one, rising to 60%, 50% and 40% with collaboration. A regional aid bonus of 5 percentage points is in the terms of reference and the rate offered can be lower than the maximum. Talk to Enterprise Ireland early, they help shape what your project can qualify for.
Related guides
- LEO Priming Grant
- Back to Work Enterprise Allowance
- Enterprise Support Grant
- Earned Income Credit
- ACORNS
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