If you’re a small or medium-sized business considering an application for an Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher, this Q&A is for you. Tara Heffernan, Technology Gateway Manager at MiCRA, TU Dublin Tallaght, answers the most common questions to help you understand how the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher process works and what you can expect when collaborating with Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateways.
What is a Technology Gateway?
Technology Gateways are an Enterprise Ireland Initiative in partnership with five Technological Universities and DKIT. Each specialist gateway concentrates on specific technology areas that support and respond to industry needs.
The MICRA Technology Gateway based in TU Dublin Tallaght is an industry-led research and development facility that focuses on delivering applied R&D projects that support industry innovation across food, drink, pharma, and environmental sectors, offering expertise in product development, process optimisation, and analytical testing.
MiCRA is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced analytical and diagnostic instruments designed to support cutting-edge research and industry innovation. Our capabilities include electrochemical analysis using multi-channel potentiostats for sensor development and corrosion studies; thermal and compositional analysis through integrated TGA-IR-GC/MS systems for material characterisation; and ion chromatography for precise detection of ionic species in environmental and food samples. We offer high-resolution imaging with benchtop SEM for surface morphology and nanostructure analysis, alongside spectroscopy platforms (FTIR, FT-Raman, and NIR) for chemical identification and material science applications.
Additional resources include multimode microplate readers for biological assays, flow cytometry for cellular analysis, and automated diagnostic prototyping units for rapid development of point-of-care solutions. These capabilities enable MiCRA to deliver tailored solutions across food, pharmaceutical, environmental, and healthcare sectors.
The Technology Gateway Network is unique in that it comprises 17 individual gateways, yet collaboration is at its core. Gateways frequently work together on projects, both within the wider Network and through dedicated sectoral clusters. You can find out more information here.
What is an Innovation Voucher and how does it work?
The Innovation Voucher programme was developed by Enterprise Ireland to build links between knowledge providers (i.e., higher education institutes, public research bodies) and Irish SMEs. Innovation Vouchers worth €10,000 are available to assist a company to explore a business opportunity or problem with a registered knowledge provider.
A company can apply for a maximum of four Innovation Vouchers, one of which must be a co-funded Fast Track voucher. Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. But a company may only have one ‘active’ voucher at any point in time. Applications can be made throughout the year via the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System.
Am I eligible to apply?
The initiative is open to all small and medium-sized limited companies registered with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) in Ireland. You do not have to be a client of Enterprise Ireland to apply for a voucher. More details on eligibility are available here: Innovation Voucher | Business Support | Enterprise Ireland
What types of vouchers are available?
There are two types of vouchers available. A fully funded €10,000 standard voucher and the 50-50 co-funded Fast Track voucher available to cover project costs of up to €20,000, allowing a company to contribute 50% of the project costs.
SMEs may avail of a maximum of four vouchers (3 standard, 1 co-funded), however applicants are eligible to reapply for vouchers after a five-year rolling period. A company may have only one active voucher at a time.
What types of innovation can I use my voucher for?
Innovation Vouchers can be used for all different types of innovation everything from new product or process development; new business model development; new service delivery and customer interface to new service development; Feasibility for new products or services as well as Innovation/technology audit.
Technology Gateways like MiCRA work closely with you to assess your company’s specific needs. MiCRA has supported a wide range of projects through the Innovation Voucher initiative. To get a sense of the types of work our team undertakes, explore our case study on Incereb, an Enterprise Ireland High Potential Start-up (HPSU) in the medical device sector.
What should I do when I receive my voucher?
When you receive notification of a successful application, contact your preferred knowledge provider. If you have indicated a Technology Gateway as your preferred choice, the Gateway team will work with you to formalise the process. If you are unsure of a suitable knowledge provider or need advice, contact the Technology Gateway Team via the website contact form.
What can I expect when working with a Technology Gateway?
Each gateway has a dedicated Gateway Manager and a team of specialised business development staff who serve as key contact points and ensure projects are delivered successfully. With access to more than 300 industry-focused researchers and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities across five Technological Universities and DKIT, the Technology Gateway network offers a wealth of expertise, guidance, and support.
How should I prepare for my initial meeting with a Gateway?
If you are approaching the Gateway with a specific challenge, providing as much background information as possible is extremely helpful. This enables the Gateway team to identify the most effective approach and ensure you get the maximum value from your voucher. We will also support you in preparing a project plan for your proposal. Our team is available to offer guidance at every stage of the process, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch at any time.
Will I own any resulting IP?
IP developed as a result of an Innovation Voucher project belongs to the company unless the company and the knowledge provider have otherwise agreed.
For advice on funding criteria and processes you can contact Tara at tara.heffernan@TUDublin.ie, find more information on the MiCRA website and connect via LinkedIn.