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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 €5,000 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 €5,000 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 €5,000 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.

Co-Funded Fast Track Application

The value of the voucher is €5,000 and the company contributes 50% of the project costs in cash. Therefore, a company may use a ‘Fast Track’ voucher to cover project costs up to €10,000 on a 50-50 co-funded basis.

The company and the knowledge provider jointly agree on the work programme for the project, in advance of submitting an application. Companies many wish to use this option when they are no longer eligible for a standard voucher (may have used two or more standard vouchers) or where time to market is critical and the schedule for the standard call is not suitable. This voucher application can be submitted at any time and a response can be expected within four weeks.

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 development
  • New business model development
  • New service delivery and customer interface
  • New service development
  • Tailored 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.