€40m innovation funding opportunity to be showcased in Waterford

Businesses and research organisations across Waterford and the southeast are being encouraged to explore a €40 million funding opportunity aimed at supporting groundbreaking innovation projects. 

A free 'DisrupTech on Tour' event will take place at the Tower Hotel in Waterford on September 24, offering companies and researchers guidance on how to apply for funding through the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF).

The roadshow, organised by Enterprise Ireland, is designed to help organisations understand the application process, connect with potential project partners and develop collaborative proposals ahead of the next funding call. 

Speaking ahead of the event, Declan McGee of the DTIF Team at Enterprise Ireland said breakthrough innovation depends on strong partnerships between industry and research organisations. 

"Breakthrough innovation is a team effort. It happens when ambitious companies, world-class researchers and the right funding come together, and DisrupTech on Tour is designed to help make those connections," he said. 

Since 2018, the fund has approved more than €530 million in support of over 130 collaborative projects involving almost 500 organisations nationwide. 

The programme is open to Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies, as well as research-performing organisations. 

During the Waterford event, attendees will receive information on eligibility criteria, application requirements and consortium building, as well as insights from previous participants. 

The programme will also include visits to the South Eastern Applied Materials Centre (SEAM) and the Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre (PMBRC). 

Applications for the latest DTIF funding round will close on February 3, 2027.