The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Fund supports enterprise growth, innovation, and job creation across Ireland’s regions. Designed to strengthen local economies outside major urban centres, the programme helps organisations develop infrastructure, support SMEs, and deliver collaborative innovation projects that create real regional impact.
Managed by Enterprise Ireland and supported by the Government of Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the fund focuses on practical projects that improve competitiveness, encourage collaboration, and promote balanced national economic development.
For businesses, development bodies, and innovation-led organisations, this fund offers significant financial support to help turn strong ideas into sustainable regional growth.
What Is the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Fund?
The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Fund is a national programme aimed at boosting innovation and enterprise activity in Ireland’s regions. It supports projects that strengthen local economies through collaboration, technology adoption, and business development.
The fund focuses on initiatives that:
- Build enterprise and innovation infrastructure
- Support SME growth and productivity
- Encourage collaboration between businesses and research organisations
- Improve regional competitiveness
- Create long-term economic and employment opportunities
Projects must align with Ireland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) and relevant Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs) to ensure they support local priorities and national economic goals.
Funding Overview
The programme has a total budget of €145.3 million, with funding levels depending on the size and impact of each project.
- Grants may reach up to €10 million for large infrastructure or collaborative initiatives
- Smaller feasibility or service-based projects receive targeted funding
- Applications are assessed on innovation potential, economic impact, and value for money
Strong regional benefits and clear strategic alignment are essential for success.
What the Fund Supports
The fund supports projects that contribute to regional development through four targeted funding streams:
1. Local Infrastructure Projects
Supports the development or enhancement of enterprise and innovation infrastructure, such as:
- Innovation hubs and enterprise centres
- Research, testing, or digital infrastructure
- Facilities that enable collaboration and scaling
2. Innovation Clusters and Consortia
Supports collaborative projects involving enterprises, research organisations, and other stakeholders to:
- Develop new products or services
- Build sectoral strength in regions
- Improve national and international competitiveness
3. Services to SMEs
Supports the delivery of practical supports to small and medium-sized enterprises, including:
- Technology adoption
- Productivity and capability development
- Access to expertise, mentoring, and innovation supports
4. Feasibility and Priming Grants
Supports early-stage projects to:
- Test new ideas
- Carry out feasibility studies
- Prepare projects for future large-scale investment
Who Can Apply?
The fund is open to a wide range of organisations involved in enterprise and innovation, including:
- Irish businesses and SMEs
- Innovation-led organisations
- Regional development bodies
- Industry groups and collaborative consortia
- Early-stage project promoters
Applicants must demonstrate strong regional impact and alignment with national and regional development strategies.
What Makes a Strong Application?
Successful projects usually show:
- Clear alignment with regional priorities
- Strong innovation and enterprise focus
- Measurable economic and job creation outcomes
- Effective governance and project planning
- Evidence of collaboration and stakeholder support
Clear communication of regional benefits and long-term value significantly improves funding prospects.
Why the Fund Matters
The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Fund plays a key role in supporting balanced economic growth across Ireland. By investing in innovation and enterprise outside major cities, it helps:
- Create sustainable regional employment
- Strengthen local business ecosystems
- Encourage innovation and technology adoption
- Reduce regional economic disparities
- Build resilient and future-ready communities
The programme ensures that innovation and opportunity are accessible throughout Ireland, not just in large urban centres.
How CAPIQAL Can Help
Applying for funding can be complex, especially when strategic alignment and compliance requirements are involved. At CAPIQAL, we help organisations navigate the process and develop strong, competitive applications.
Our support includes:
- Eligibility and alignment reviews
- Mapping projects to S3 and Regional Enterprise Plans
- Application writing and editing
- Budget and compliance guidance
- Post-approval project support
With experience across Irish and EU funding programmes, we help simplify the process and improve your chances of success.
