The Innovation Voucher initiative was developed to build links between Ireland’s public knowledge providers (i.e. higher education institutes, public research bodies) and small businesses. Innovation Vouchers worth €10,000 are available to assist a company or companies to explore a business opportunity or problem with a registered knowledge provider.
We are happy to guide you through the process and assist with any queries you may have. For more information you can contact Yvonne.Doyle@tus.ie or phone 0504 28266.
Standard Voucher
Standard €10,000 vouchers are available to assist a company explore a business opportunity or problem with a registered provider. You can only apply for one of these standard €10,000 vouchers during the open calls. You do not need to identify your knowledge provider in adbance and they are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
What is provided?
- €10,000 worth of time with an expert, third-level researcher to help you develop an idea or product, or crack a business or technical challenge.
- Co-funded vouchers are also available to cover project costs of up to €20,000, allowing a company to contribute 50% of the project costs.
- SMEs may avail of a maximum of four vouchers (3 standard, 1 co-funded), however applicants are eligible to reapply for vouchers after five years has passed.
- A company may have only one active voucher at a time.
How to Apply
Applications for standard Innovation Vouchers are only accepted through the Enterprise Ireland online system.
Permitted Uses
Innovation Vouchers can be used for any kind of innovation such as:
- New product/process/service/business model development
- New service delivery and customer interface
- New service development
- Training in innovation management
- Innovation/technology audit
Vouchers can be exchanged for knowledge transfer projects from the knowledge provider.
For the purpose of this initiative, a knowledge transfer project is defined as one that transfers knowledge of a scientific, technological or innovative nature and is new to the small enterprise. The small enterprise may then use the new knowledge to innovate a product, process or service.
There are some activities which are not permitted under the Innovation Voucher scheme and you can find details of these on the Enterprise Ireland website.