Innovation is at the heart of Ireland’s future growth. Disruptive technologies are transforming every sector globally from advanced medical devices to clean energy solutions and digital breakthroughs. To ensure Ireland is at the forefront of such technological advancements, the government launched the Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund (DTIF) which is considered one of the most radical innovation funding programs ever created in Ireland.
The DTIF, with a total budget of €500 million, is backing the projects that are the most daring and collaborative in nature, and those that will have the most commercial and social impact by merging the research and industry sectors.
At CAPIQAL, we help businesses and research partners understand DTIF, prepare strong applications, and manage projects successfully from start to finish.
What Is the Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund?
The Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund (DTIF) was launched in 2018 under Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan (NDP). It is overseen by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation with Enterprise Ireland providing operational assistance.
The purpose of DTIF is to promote the development and commercialisation of disruptive technologies that are capable of changing not only the markets and the industries but also society.
Unlike smaller grant schemes, DTIF is intended for large projects with a significant impact that need a strong partnership and a long-term vision.
What Is DTIF Designed to Support?
DTIF focuses on projects that are truly disruptive, not incremental improvements, but innovations that change how things are done. The fund supports:
- Development of cutting-edge technologies
- Commercial deployment of research-led innovation
- Strong collaboration between industry and academia
- Technologies aligned with Ireland’s national research priorities
- Projects with clear economic, social, and environmental impact
By encouraging deep collaboration, DTIF helps bridge the gap between research excellence and real-world commercial success.
How Much Funding Is Available Under DTIF?
DTIF is one of the largest innovation funds in Ireland.
- Total fund size: €500 million
- Funding awarded to date: €371 million
- Number of projects supported: 104
- Funding calls issued: 6 DTIF calls so far
In the most recent announcement, €6.8 million was awarded to a twelfth project under Call 6, focused on sustainable disruptive technologies.
Funding levels vary depending on:
- Project scale and ambition
- Level of innovation
- Number of partners involved
- Expected economic and societal impact
DTIF funding is typically suited to multi-million-euro projects with national and global relevance.
How the DTIF Application Process Works
DTIF operates as a challenge-based competitive fund, meaning only the strongest and most impactful projects are funded.
1. Challenge Based Application
Each proposal is assessed against four core criteria:
- Disruptive Technology Quality: Is the technology genuinely innovative and capable of changing markets?
- Excellence of Approach: Is the project plan realistic, structured, and well thought out?
- Economic Impact and Sustainability: Will the project deliver long-term economic benefits for Ireland?
- Strength of Collaboration: Do the partners bring complementary skills from research and industry?
Strong alignment across all four areas is essential for success.
2. Guidance and Preparation
Enterprise Ireland provides detailed guidance through its dedicated DTIF resources. However, due to the size and complexity of DTIF applications, most successful applicants invest heavily in:
- Project scoping and partner alignment
- Technical and commercial planning
- Impact modelling and cost justification
- Governance and project management structures
This is where expert support can make a critical difference.
3. Project Implementation and Management
Once approved, projects move into the delivery phase. Enterprise Ireland provides:
- Claim forms for funding drawdown
- Project alteration forms where changes are needed
- Ongoing monitoring and reporting requirements
Accurate documentation and compliance are essential to avoid delays or funding issues.
Who Is the DTIF For?
DTIF is designed for ambitious collaborations with the potential to deliver global impact. Typical applicants include:
- Irish companies with strong R&D capabilities
- Universities and research institutions
- Industry-led consortia
- Partnerships focused on commercial outcomes
Projects must demonstrate:
- Clear market demand
- Strong commercialisation plans
- Alignment with Ireland’s innovation priorities
- Long-term value for the Irish economy
A Real Example of DTIF in Action
One standout DTIF-supported project is Solascope, which received funding to develop the world’s first sterile, sustainable, panoramic endoscope.
This project highlights exactly what DTIF aims to achieve:
- Breakthrough technology
- Strong research and industry collaboration
- Global market potential
- Positive societal and healthcare impact
It’s a clear example of how DTIF turns bold ideas into world-leading solutions.
Why DTIF Matters to Ireland’s Economy
DTIF plays a strategic role in strengthening Ireland’s innovation ecosystem by:
- Supporting high-value R&D activity
- Driving collaboration between research and industry
- Creating skilled jobs and export opportunities
- Advancing sustainability and future-focused technologies
- Positioning Ireland as a global innovation leader
By funding disruptive technologies today, DTIF helps future-proof Ireland’s economy for tomorrow.
How CAPIQAL Supports DTIF Applications
DTIF applications are complex, competitive, and resource-intensive. At CAPIQAL, we provide end-to-end support to help innovators succeed.
Our DTIF Support Includes:
- Project Scoping & Strategy: We help shape your project idea, structure collaborations, and align with DTIF priorities.
- Application Development: Our team supports technical narratives, impact sections, budgets, and partner coordination.
- Submission & Compliance: We ensure your application meets all requirements and deadlines.
- Post-Approval Support: We assist with claims, reporting, and project governance throughout delivery.
With €490M+ in grant funding secured, a 78% approval success rate and deep experience across Irish and European grants we understand what funding bodies look for and how to present your project clearly and convincingly.
In Summary
- DTIF is a €500 million fund supporting disruptive innovation in Ireland
- It focuses on collaboration between research and industry
- Funding is awarded through competitive, challenge-based calls
- €371 million has already been awarded across 104 projects
- Projects are assessed on technology, approach, impact, and collaboration
- CAPIQAL provides expert guidance across the full DTIF journey
Take the Next Step Towards Innovation Success
If you are developing a disruptive technology with the potential to change markets and deliver real impact, DTIF could be the funding pathway that brings your vision to life.
With the right strategy, partners, and support, your project could join Ireland’s most exciting innovation success stories.
Get Started Today
Contact CAPIQAL to discuss your DTIF funding opportunity. Our expert team is ready to guide you from early concept through to successful delivery.
Let’s build the future of innovation- together.
