Commercialisation Funding

Commercialisation Funding

EI Commercialisation Fund

DCU researchers have a number of ways to get funding for innovative ideas that have commercial potential. Enterprise Ireland's Commercialisation Fund has been supporting third level researchers through both financial and soft supports, to translate their research into innovative and commercially viable products, services and companies. This state funded research mechanism has the potential to result in the commercialisation of new innovations ideally by way of new company creation in Ireland or by way of license of the technology to companies in Ireland. Through this programme, researchers can get funding in the range of €80,000 to €350,000 for a project that typically lasts for 1-2 years. 

Enterprise Ireland also offers a Commercialisation Fund Feasibility Grant that enables researchers to engage a commercial consultant to help build a business case to strengthen the proposal.

 

How Do I Apply?

If you have an idea that you think has commercial potential and are interested in bringing the technology to market, the first step is to discuss this with your respective Business Development Director in DCU Invent – ICT, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences.  Based on the outcome of this initial meeting,  a decision can be made on how best to proceed. The researcher, supported by DCU Invent, submits an application through Enterprise Ireland’s online system. For ICT, applications may be submitted at any time during the year.  For other research areas Enterprise Ireland have fixed calls for proposals which are typically twice per year.

 

Other Funding Options

There are other funding mechanisms available through: 
Science Foundation Ireland
Enterprise Ireland
Irish Research Council
Horizon Europe
European Space Agency 

 

Other Spin-out Supports

A spin-out company is a new company which addresses a business opportunity with solutions based on DCU intellectual property, developed through research carried out in DCU. Our team supports the creation of sustainable spin-out companies with the potential for significant growth.

Researchers with an idea which could form the basis of a spin-out company should firstly contact their DCU Invent Business Development Director to discuss the business opportunity and assess the stage of development, level of market validation and further development needs prior to incorporation.

Our team will advise and support researchers with the essential elements of developing a new spin-out company including:

  • Further research funding to validate the technology/offering
  • Market validation via feedback from potential customers in the market
  • Team formation, identifying the key skills required in the new business
  • Dedicated training programmes such as the DCU Explore Programme
  • Feedback & mentoring from our innovators in residence
  • Assessing the size of the market opportunity, margins and investment needs
  • Developing pitches and an investible business case  

We will also support researchers to develop an investment ready business case. Once the business case is approved by the board of DCU Invent, our team will negotiate the terms of an intellectual property licence and equity agreement between DCU and the new spin-out company, based on the DCU Policy for Spin-out Company Formation.   

To discuss options, please get in touch with your respective Business Development Director at DCU Invent.