Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, said the latest funding round will support ambitious projects focused on developing and commercializing breakthrough technologies across key sectors of the economy.
Since its launch in 2018, the DTIF has supported 131 collaborative projects through seven competitive funding calls, with average awards of around €4m per project.
The fund is designed to strengthen links between industry and Ireland's research sector, while helping businesses develop innovative products and services with global market potential.
Announcing the eighth funding call, Burke said the investment delivers on a commitment in the Programme for Government and reflects a continued focus on strengthening Ireland's innovation ecosystem.
"I am very pleased to be making €40m available for an eighth call under the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund," he said.
"Through the provision of critical funding, DTIF is empowering companies to undertake ambitious, high-risk research in niche, high-value areas that might otherwise remain unexplored."
The Minister added that the programme has helped foster collaboration between researchers and industry professionals to develop expertise in transformative technologies capable of disrupting established markets while generating economic and societal benefits.
The announcement was attended by representatives from several companies that have previously benefited from DTIF support, including ProVerum, Luminate Medical and Equal1 Laboratories.
Among the projects highlighted were the PROVIEW consortium, focused on minimally invasive medical therapies, the LILY project, which is developing a wearable device to prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss, and a number of initiatives aimed at advancing quantum computing technologies.
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, said the fund has played a key role in translating academic research into commercial opportunities.
"DTIF has proven to be a powerful catalyst for translating world-class research into tangible economic and societal benefits," he said, adding that funded projects have supported high-value employment and strengthened Ireland's capabilities in sectors including artificial intelligence, life sciences and quantum technologies.
Announcing the eighth funding call, Burke said the investment delivers on a commitment in the Programme for Government and reflects a continued focus on strengthening Ireland's innovation ecosystem. Photo: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie
The new funding call will be administered by Enterprise Ireland on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
Regional information and matchmaking events will take place throughout September and October to help prospective applicants identify project partners and navigate the application process.
Applications for Call 8 will open on October 1, 2026, and close on January 31, 2027.
* This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.
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