Irish Companies to Benefit from Research Funding

The Minister for Training, Skills and Innovation John Halligan T.D announced that researchers and companies in Ireland have won a total of €274.7 million in funding from the EU Horizon 2020 programme for research projects. The Higher Education system accounted for €172.5 million of this total and companies secured €79.2 million, including €54.3 million for SMEs.

Commenting on the results, Minister Halligan said that, “I congratulate all of the successful researchers and companies on their terrific achievement. Ireland is continuing to perform very well in Horizon 2020 and we are competing successfully with the best researchers and most innovative companies in the EU for funding.”

“I particular welcome the fact that SMEs have been so successful in Horizon 2020, winning €54 million in funding. Horizon 2020 is helping these companies to innovate, which is vital for creating high-quality and sustainable jobs. It is also clear that the research being carried out in Ireland is in the top-tier of EU research and this is a key factor in the companies’ success in Horizon 2020.”

Dr Imelda Lambkin, the National Director for Horizon 2020 said that “The national support structure for Horizon 2020, led by Enterprise Ireland, continues to assist researchers in identifying opportunities and in applying for funding. We are currently looking specifically for newcomers with a view to preparing a cohort of 100 new researchers and companies for the upcoming calls.”