Drive Innovation, Solve Challenges, and Bring New Ideas to Life

InterTradeIreland’s Business Explorer and Innovation Boost programs provide SMEs in Ireland with resources, expertise, and funding to fuel innovation. Whether you’re tackling a business challenge or developing a new idea, these programs offer the support you need to succeed.

Business Explorer Program

Guided Innovation for Real-World Solutions

Business Explorer is a two-stage program designed to help SMEs address challenges and develop ideas in Science, Engineering, and Technology.

With funding to bring in academic or industry experts, this program supports businesses in finding practical, innovative solutions.

· What We Offer:

o Funded access to academic or industry expertise

o Development of solutions for business challenges

o Advanced techniques to refine product ideas

· Two Stages of Support:

o Stage 1: EXPLORE

Provide businesses with 5 days of academic or specialist support to assess challenges or new ideas, draft an actionable plan with recommendations in areas like energy efficiency, carbon reduction, digitisation, product and process development, and Industry 4.0, with options for further support through Business Explorer - Plan or Innovation Boost based on the recommendations.

o Stage 2: PLAN

Provides businesses with 18 days of academic or specialist support to implement a tailored plan based on initial recommendations, integrating new technologies, processes, and products to enhance operations, agility, productivity, and sustainability;

it includes training to embed innovation skills for long-term growth, completed over 3 to 6 months, with the option to apply for additional support through InterTradeIreland’s Innovation Boost program.

Innovation Boost Program

Turn Ideas into Reality with Expert Support

Innovation Boost empowers SMEs to make their ideas a reality, offering funding for a skilled science, engineering, or technology project manager and a partnership with a specialised academic institution. This 12–18 month collaboration is supported by ongoing mentorship expert consultants.

· How It Works:

o Project Manager funded and employed within your business

o Partnership with a relevant academic institution for expertise and mentorship

o Up to £56,000/€67,900 in funding to cover project costs

Note: Only companies in the Republic of Ireland can collaborate with Innotech for Innovation Boost. Innotech can assist Northern Ireland companies to connect with ROI academic institutions.

For further information on the Business Explorer and Innovation Boost Programs please contact: