Design+ Funding Schemes
Design+ is funded by the following Agencies
Enterprise Ireland
The application of research and innovation to business challenges is critical to the success of the Irish economy. Enterprise Ireland provide supports for both companies and researchers in Higher Education Institutes to develop new technologies and processes that will lead to job creation and increased exports.
Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher
The Innovation Voucher initiative was developed to build links between Ireland’s public knowledge providers and small businesses. Innovation Vouchers worth €5,000 are available to assist a company or companies explore a business opportunity or problem with a registered knowledge provider.
Some of the services that can be explored using the Innovation Vouchers include:
- new product/process development
- new business model development
- new service delivery and customer interface
- new service development
- tailored training in innovation management
- innovation/technology audits
The Innovation Voucher initiative is open to all small and medium-sized limited companies registered in Ireland. This means a company with less than 250 full-time employees and either an annual turnover of less than €50 million or an annual balance sheet of less than €43 million.
All applications for a standard €5,000 Voucher must be made during one of Enterprise Ireland’s open calls. For information on upcoming call dates, or assistance with the application contact Design+ and we will guide you through the process.
Enterprise Ireland Innovation Partnerships 
The EI-IP programme offers financial support to companies who engage in collaborative research projects with Design+. Enterprise Ireland provides grants of up to 80% towards eligible costs of the research project. The proposal process and administration of the project is managed by the Design+. We uses the EI-IP programme to undertake joint research and development, which has a high degree of risk with EI HPSUs, large Irish companies and multinationals located in Ireland.
Direct Funded
Design+ engages in contract research to solve specific technical challenges for Irish companies. These projects are typically undertaken by companies so that they can own their own IP outright without having to license it from Design+.
Irish Research Council
The mission of the Irish Research Council is to support excellent research and recognise creative individuals with innovative ideas, enabling a vibrant research community which enriches Irish research, the economy and society.
EU Horizon 2020
Horizon 2020 is the biggest ever EU Research and Innovation programme, providing almost €80 billion of funding over seven years (2014 to 2020). It promises more break-throughs, discoveries and world-firsts by taking great ideas from the lab to the market. Horizon 2020 is open to everyone, with a simple structure that reduces red tape and time so participants can focus on what is really important. This approach makes sure new projects get off the ground quickly and achieve results faster.