Ireland’s innovation sector has a fresh opportunity to secure major public investment. DTIF funding is now open for applications, with €40 million available to support collaborative projects that bring disruptive technologies from research and development to commercial deployment.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke announced the eighth competitive call on 1 October 2026. Consortia can submit applications until 3 February 2027 at 15:00 Irish time.
DTIF funding targets high-impact technology projects
Administered by Enterprise Ireland on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund is designed to connect Ireland’s research community with ambitious businesses. DTIF funding supports industrial research and experimental development with the potential to create economic and societal benefits.
The scheme was established under the National Development Plan in 2018. Across seven previous calls, the Government approved €530 million for 131 collaborative projects, with awards averaging approximately €4 million per project.
Supported sectors have included:
- Life sciences and medical devices
- Information and communications technology
- Artificial intelligence
- Advanced manufacturing
- Environmental technologies
Who can apply?
Applications must come from consortia containing at least three eligible project partners. Each consortium must include at least one SME and another enterprise, while collaboration with Irish research-performing organisations is encouraged.
Eligible partners must be based in Ireland and be clients of Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta or an eligible research-performing organisation. Irish semi-state organisations and public bodies may participate as non-funded partners, provided the project includes at least three other eligible partners.
The minimum funding request is €1.5 million for projects lasting up to three years. SME partners must provide matched funding, while large companies are required to provide 60% of project costs. Projects should be structured for commercialisation within three to seven years.
DTIF funding application criteria and support events
Independent international expert panels will assess eligible proposals using four core criteria:
- The quality of the disruptive technology
- The strength of the overall approach
- Economic impact and sustainability
- The quality of the collaboration
Enterprise Ireland is also hosting regional “Disruptech” events to explain the call and help SMEs, multinational companies and research organisations find potential partners. Remaining events are scheduled for:
- 1 October – Dundalk, Gateway Hotel
- 13 October – Mullingar, Mullingar Park Hotel
- 15 October – Dublin, Aviva
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Why the call matters for Ireland’s technology ecosystem
The new call reflects the Government’s continued focus on research commercialisation, enterprise competitiveness and technology adoption. It also aligns with the work of bodies including Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in strengthening Ireland’s innovation pipeline.
For applicants, the central challenge will be demonstrating not only technical originality, but also a credible route to market, strong partner roles and measurable long-term impact.
Key takeaway
DTIF funding provides a significant opportunity for Irish SMEs, larger companies and research partners to develop commercially viable technologies at scale. Eligible consortia should review the criteria early, attend a Disruptech event where possible and submit applications before the 3 February 2027 deadline.
Article/Image Courtesy: Enterprise Ireland
