Enterprise Ireland Grants 2026: Get up to €400,000 for AI
Founder & CEO, Deep Purple AI Consulting
Enterprise Ireland grants are government funding programmes for Irish-owned companies with growth or export potential. They range from €5,000 Digital Discovery grants (80% funded by Enterprise Ireland) to over €400,000 for R&D and Digital Process Innovation — supporting everything from initial AI assessments to full-scale system implementation across manufacturing, services, and technology sectors.
As an Enterprise Ireland-approved provider, we've helped businesses through the full journey — from Digital Discovery assessment to Digital Process Innovation implementation. This guide reflects what we've learned from working with these programmes first-hand.
Quick Summary
Irish companies ready to scale can access over €400,000 in Enterprise Ireland funding for AI and digital transformation. From €5,000 discovery grants to €150,000 implementation funding, there's support for every stage of your AI journey. We'll show you exactly which grants to apply for and how to maximise your chances of approval.
Not sure Enterprise Ireland is the right fit?
This guide covers Enterprise Ireland funding specifically. To compare all grant agencies side by side — including an interactive tool that recommends the right grant for your business — see our Complete Guide to AI Grants in Ireland 2026.
Verified for 2026
Good news: All Enterprise Ireland grants detailed in this guide remain available for 2026. We've verified the current programmes and funding levels as of January 2026.
- Digital Process Innovation grant: Still €150,000 at 50% funding
- Discovery grants: €5,000 at 80% funding still available
- Early 2026 is an excellent time to apply – fresh annual budgets
Grant Guide Series
Your Complete Guide to AI Grants in Ireland
This is part of our comprehensive grant guide series. Start with the overview or jump to any agency guide:
Side-by-side comparison of every grant agency, plus an interactive tool to find your best fit
For Irish SMEs with 1–50 employees
Enterprise Ireland Grants 2026: Up to €400K
You are hereFor multinational and foreign-owned companies
For businesses trading across ROI and Northern Ireland
For Northern Ireland businesses
For businesses in Gaeltacht regions
For businesses in the Western Region (Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon)
Looking for help applying? We guide businesses through the full grant process — from identifying the right funding to delivering the project. .
What is Enterprise Ireland?
Enterprise Ireland grants offer the most comprehensive funding pathway for Irish-owned companies with growth or export potential. Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for developing and growing Irish enterprises in world markets. They work with ambitious Irish companies that are serious about growth – typically businesses with 10+ employees that have export potential or are already selling internationally. Unlike LEO which focuses on micro and small local businesses, Enterprise Ireland supports companies ready to scale, innovate, and compete globally. Their grants are designed to accelerate growth through innovation, productivity improvements, and international expansion.
Enterprise Ireland vs LEO: Which Grants Are Right for You?
Before diving into Enterprise Ireland grants, let's clear up the confusion about when to use Enterprise Ireland versus LEO funding.
| Criteria | LEO Grants | Enterprise Ireland Grants |
|---|---|---|
| Company Size | 1-50 employees | 10+ employees (typically) |
| Business Stage | Early stage, local market | Growth stage, export potential |
| Maximum Funding | Up to €150,000 | Up to €400,000+ |
| AI Focus | Basic automation, digital adoption | Advanced AI, R&D, transformation |
| Application Complexity | Simpler, faster approval | More detailed, strategic focus |
Important
If you're currently a LEO client with over 10 employees and growing revenue, you may be ready to "graduate" to Enterprise Ireland. This opens up significantly more funding opportunities. Your LEO advisor can facilitate this transition.
€400,000 AI Funding Journey: Complete Overview
Enterprise Ireland offers ten different grants suitable for AI projects, each targeting different stages of your transformation journey. Here's your complete funding roadmap:
Your AI Funding Journey with Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland offers multiple pathways to AI transformation. While you don't need to follow a strict sequence, here's how the grants align with typical stages of AI adoption:
1Stage 1: Discovery (€5,000 grants)
- Digital Discovery Grant – Identify AI opportunities with expert assessment
- Small Strategic Consultancy – Quick strategic challenges and readiness assessment
2Stage 2: Strategic Development (€35,000 grants)
- Strategic Consultancy Assignment – Comprehensive AI strategy and roadmap
- Exploring Innovation – Test feasibility with proof of concepts
3Stage 3: Core Implementation (€150,000)
- Digital Process Innovation – Transform operations with AI at scale
4Stage 4: Advanced Pathways
- R&D Fund – Develop proprietary AI solutions (up to 60% funding)
- Training Support – Build team capabilities (50-70% funding)
- Operational Excellence – Combined transformation package (€150,000+)
- Eurostars – International collaboration (up to 60% funding)
Total potential: €400,000+ when strategically combining grants
Key insight: Start with Discovery to validate your approach, then scale based on your specific needs—whether that's implementation, R&D, or international expansion.
The beauty of this system? You don't need to commit to the full journey upfront. Start small, prove the value, then scale with confidence.
1Stage 1: Discovery (€5,000 grants)
Digital Discovery Grant: €5,000 to Start Your AI Journey
Match Funding: The Cashflow Reality
Enterprise Ireland grants typically cover 50% of project costs — but here's what catches many businesses off guard:
- You pay 100% upfront. You hire your consultant, pay invoices as normal, then claim back Enterprise Ireland's contribution after the work is completed and verified.
- Reimbursement takes 4-8 weeks after you submit your claim with proof of payment and project deliverables.
- You need working capital to cover the full project cost during delivery. Budget for this from the start.
- Some providers offer flexible terms. Approved providers like Deep Purple can structure payment schedules aligned with grant drawdown milestones — ask about this before you start.
Planning tip: If cashflow is tight, start with the Digital Discovery grant (80% funded, lower total cost) to build your business case before committing to larger implementation grants.
This is the perfect entry point for companies new to AI. Enterprise Ireland explicitly lists "Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning)" as a focus area for this grant.
What you get includes:
- Professional AI opportunity assessment
- Analysis of your existing systems for AI integration potential
- Customised AI adoption roadmap
- Specific use case identification
- ROI projections for recommended initiatives
For a practical breakdown of what a grant-funded data analytics project looks like for an Irish SME, see our complete guide to data analytics for Irish SMEs.
Why Start Here?
The Digital Discovery grant is your lowest-risk entry into AI. For just €1,250 of your own money, you get €5,000 worth of expert consultation. If AI isn't right for your business right now, you'll know – and you won't have wasted significant resources finding out.
Don't treat Digital Discovery as a box-ticking exercise. The quality of the assessment report directly influences whether Enterprise Ireland will approve follow-on Digital Process Innovation funding. The strongest Discovery reports link specific AI opportunities to quantifiable outcomes — time saved, waste reduced, throughput increased, or export readiness improved.
Small Strategic Consultancy
Need quick answers to specific AI challenges? The Small Strategic Consultancy grant supports:
- AI readiness assessments
- Specific technology evaluations
- Quick strategic challenges
- Focused problem-solving
2Stage 2: Strategic Development (€35,000 grants)
Strategic Consultancy Assignment Grant
Ready to develop a comprehensive AI strategy? This grant provides substantial funding for strategic planning with expert consultants.
Perfect for:
- Companies planning enterprise-wide AI transformation
- Businesses needing AI governance frameworks
- Organisations developing AI-first business models
- Companies preparing for major digital shifts
What Strategic AI Consulting Covers:
- AI Maturity Assessment: Where you are vs where you need to be
- Use Case Prioritisation: Which AI projects deliver maximum ROI
- Technology Stack Design: Selecting the right AI platforms and tools
- Governance Framework: Ensuring ethical, compliant AI deployment
- Change Management: Preparing your organisation for AI adoption
- Investment Planning: Budgeting for sustainable AI implementation
Exploring Innovation Grant
Not sure if an AI solution will work for your specific challenge? Use this grant to test and validate before full implementation:
- Build AI prototypes and MVPs
- Test technical feasibility of AI solutions
- Evaluate ROI before major investment
- Create detailed project plans for larger initiatives
Pro Tip
The Exploring Innovation grant explicitly supports "developing strategic thinking around disruptive technologies." AI is the textbook definition of a disruptive technology, making your application highly relevant.
3Stage 3: Core Implementation (€150,000)
Digital Process Innovation Grant
This is the flagship grant for AI implementation. The Digital Process Innovation grant is designed for companies ready to transform their operations through digital innovation.
What Makes a Project Eligible?
Your AI project must:
- Introduce a fundamentally new way of working
- Involve innovation and calculated risk
- Lead to significant changes in techniques, equipment, or software
- Go beyond routine operational improvements
Types of AI Projects Suitable for Digital Process Innovation Funding
Here are some potential categories of projects that align well with the programme:
1. Intelligent Process Automation
- Implementing AI-powered workflow automation
- Building intelligent document processing systems
- Creating automated quality control with computer vision
- Developing predictive maintenance systems
2. Customer Experience Transformation
- AI-driven personalisation engines
- Intelligent chatbots and virtual assistants
- Predictive customer service systems
- Automated customer insight generation
3. Data-Driven Operations
- Real-time analytics and decision support
- AI-powered demand forecasting
- Supply chain optimisation through ML
- Dynamic pricing algorithms
Eligible Costs Breakdown
| Cost Category | What's Covered | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Costs | Staff working on AI project | Project managers, data scientists, developers |
| External Consultancy | AI expertise and implementation | AI consultants, integration specialists |
| Materials | Project-related purchases | Software licences, cloud computing |
| Overheads | Defined project overheads | Allocated office costs, utilities |
4Stage 4: Advanced Pathways
R&D Funding: Developing AI Solutions
Building something genuinely new with AI? The R&D Fund supports companies developing innovative AI solutions from scratch.
AI R&D Projects That Qualify
- Developing proprietary AI algorithms
- Creating new AI-powered products or services
- Building novel machine learning models
- Solving complex technical challenges with AI
- Developing AI solutions for commercialisation
The Collaboration Advantage
Partner with a university or research institution and get an extra 15% funding. This is particularly valuable for AI projects where academic expertise can accelerate development.
Important
R&D projects must involve genuine technical uncertainty and innovation. Using off-the-shelf AI tools doesn't qualify – you need to be pushing boundaries.
Training Your Team: Capability Building Grants
AI transformation isn't just about technology – it's about people. Training grants ensure your team can maximise your AI investments.
AI Training That's Funded
- Technical Training: Python, machine learning, data science
- Tool Training: Specific AI platforms and software
- Leadership Training: Managing AI transformation
- Ethics Training: Responsible AI deployment
- Change Management: Adopting AI-driven processes
Strategic Training Approach
Smart companies combine training grants with implementation grants. Here's how:
- Apply for Digital Process Innovation for your AI project
- Simultaneously apply for Training Support
- Ensure your team is skilled as you implement
- Maximise ROI through competent usage
Operational Excellence: The Ultimate AI Transformation Package
This is the "nuclear option" for AI transformation – the Operational Excellence programme combines multiple funding streams into one comprehensive programme.
What's Included:
- Process transformation projects
- Technology implementation
- Capability development
- Change management support
- Long-term partnership with Enterprise Ireland
When to Consider Operational Excellence
If your AI transformation will fundamentally change how your business operates – not just improve one process – Operational Excellence might be your best path. It's designed for ambitious transformations that touch every part of the organisation.
Eurostars: International AI Collaboration
Developing AI solutions with international partners? Eurostars funds collaborative R&D projects with partners from other Eureka countries.
Perfect for:
- AI projects requiring international expertise
- Products targeting multiple European markets
- Collaborations with European tech companies
- Projects too large for one company alone
Strategic Grant Combinations: Maximising Your Funding
The real power of Enterprise Ireland grants lies in strategic combination. Here are proven pathways:
Pathway 1: The Explorer (New to AI)
| Stage | Grant | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Digital Discovery | €5,000 | Identify opportunities |
| 2 | Exploring Innovation | €35,000 | Test feasibility |
| 3 | Digital Process Innovation | €150,000 | Full implementation |
| Total | €190,000 |
Pathway 2: The Transformer (Ready for Change)
| Stage | Grant | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Strategic Consultancy | €35,000 | Develop AI strategy |
| 2 | Operational Excellence | €150,000+ | Transform operations |
| 3 | Training Support | Varies | Build capabilities |
| Total | €200,000+ |
Pathway 3: The Innovator (Building New AI Products)
| Stage | Grant | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exploring Innovation | €35,000 | Validate concept |
| 2 | R&D Fund | No limit | Develop solution |
| 3 | Eurostars | 60% funding | Scale internationally |
| Total | €400,000+ |
What Can You Actually Build With Enterprise Ireland Funding?
Getting the grant is half the battle — executing the project is the other half. Here's what businesses typically build at each funding level:
- →With a €5K Digital Discovery Grant: A structured AI assessment of your business — mapping processes, identifying automation opportunities, and building an implementation roadmap with clear ROI estimates.
- →With a €150K Digital Process Innovation Grant: A full custom AI system — automated workflows, intelligent integrations with your existing ERP or CRM, predictive models, or computer vision quality systems.
- →With a €400K+ R&D Fund: Large-scale AI R&D projects including novel machine learning applications, industry-specific AI products, or comprehensive digital transformation programmes.
At Deep Purple, we help businesses navigate the grant process and deliver the project. We diagnose the opportunity, apply for the funding, and build the working system.
Application Process: From First Contact to Funding
Your Complete Application Roadmap
Phase 1: Preparation
Check Your Status
Confirm you're an Enterprise Ireland client or apply to become one
Identify Your Development Advisor
Each client has an assigned advisor – they're your key ally
Prepare Core Documents
- Recent financial statements
- Business plan or strategy document
- Organisation chart
- Previous grant history (if any)
Phase 2: Grant Selection
Discuss with Your Advisor
Present your AI plans and get guidance on suitable grants
Review Eligibility
Ensure you meet all criteria for chosen grants
Consider Combinations
Explore opportunities to combine multiple grants
Phase 3: Application Development
Create Project Plan
- Clear objectives and KPIs
- Detailed timeline and milestones
- Budget breakdown by category
- Risk assessment and mitigation
Gather Quotes
Get detailed quotes from AI consultants/vendors
Write Business Case
Focus on ROI, job creation, and export potential
Complete Application Forms
Each grant has specific requirements
Phase 4: Submission and Review
Submit Application
Through Enterprise Ireland online portal
Initial Review
Your advisor reviews and may request clarifications
Evaluation Committee
For larger grants, present to committee
Approval Decision
Receive formal grant offer letter
Phase 5: Implementation
Sign Grant Agreement
Review terms and conditions carefully
Begin Project
Start only after formal approval
Submit Claims
Regular milestone-based payment claims
Report Progress
Quarterly or bi-annual progress reports
Enterprise Ireland's definition of innovation is broader than most people expect. You don't need to invent new technology — you need to apply technology in a way that's new to your business and creates measurable improvement.
This qualifies as innovation:
- Using AI to automate a manual process that currently takes your team hours
- Building a predictive model that improves decision-making in your operations
- Creating a data pipeline that gives you visibility into metrics you couldn't track before
- Implementing computer vision to improve quality control on a production line
This does NOT qualify:
- Buying off-the-shelf software licences (e.g., a new CRM or ERP)
- Standard hardware upgrades (new laptops, servers, networking equipment)
- Website redesigns or social media marketing
- Hiring additional staff without a technology component
The key test: would this project change how your business operates, or just give you newer tools to do the same things?
Tips for Application Success
The way you describe your project matters. Here's how to translate business language into what Enterprise Ireland wants to hear:
Don't say: "We want to use AI to improve efficiency."
Do say: "We will implement a machine learning model that reduces order processing time from 4 hours to 20 minutes, freeing 3 FTEs to focus on customer development and enabling us to handle 40% more orders without additional headcount."
Three elements every grant description needs: the specific technology (what you're building), the measurable outcome (time saved, errors reduced, throughput increased), and the business impact (revenue growth, export readiness, job creation or safeguarding).
Here are the factors that separate successful applications from rejections:
Focus on Business Impact, Not Technology
Enterprise Ireland cares about business outcomes. Don't lead with how amazing AI is – lead with how it will:
- Increase productivity by X%
- Reduce costs by €Y
- Create Z new jobs
- Enable export growth of €W
Show Export Potential
Enterprise Ireland's mission is to help Irish companies compete globally. Even if you're focused on the domestic market now, show how AI could enable future exports:
- Scalable AI solutions that could serve international markets
- Efficiency gains that make you competitive internationally
- AI-enhanced products with global appeal
Demonstrate Genuine Innovation
Buying off-the-shelf software isn't innovation. Show how your AI project involves:
- Novel application of AI to your industry
- Custom solutions for unique challenges
- Integration complexities requiring expertise
- Risk and uncertainty in the outcome
Build Strong Partnerships
Having credible partners strengthens your application:
- Approved AI consultants (like Deep Purple)
- University research partnerships
- Technology vendors with proven track records
- Industry bodies or clusters
Start Conversations Early
Your Enterprise Ireland Development Advisor is your advocate. Involve them early:
- Share your AI vision before applying
- Get feedback on your approach
- Understand evaluation criteria
- Learn from other successful applications
Common Rejection Reasons
- Applying for routine IT upgrades rather than innovation
- No clear business case or ROI
- Costs already incurred before approval
- Insufficient detail in project plan
- No evidence of internal capability to deliver
Your Next Steps: From Reading to Funding
If You're Already an Enterprise Ireland Client:
Today
Email your Development Advisor expressing interest in AI grants
This Week
Schedule a meeting to discuss your AI plans
Next 2 Weeks
Begin preparing your first grant application
Within 30 Days
Submit your application for initial funding
If You're Not Yet an Enterprise Ireland Client:
Check Eligibility
Speak to Your LEO
If you're with LEO, discuss graduation to EI
Apply for HPSU Status
If you're a startup with high growth potential
Contact Enterprise Ireland
Call +353 1 727 2000 to discuss your situation
For Everyone: Get Expert Support
Navigating Enterprise Ireland grants while planning AI transformation is complex. As an approved provider, Deep Purple can help you:
Identify the right grants for your AI journey
Develop winning application strategies
Create comprehensive project plans
Deliver the actual AI implementation
Ensure compliance with grant requirements
Ready to Transform Your Business with AI?
Deep Purple AI Consulting is an Enterprise Ireland provider specialising in helping scaling companies navigate Enterprise Ireland grants while implementing practical AI solutions.
Access up to €400,000 in funding for your AI transformation through Enterprise Ireland grants.
Arrange a short call below or contact your Enterprise Ireland advisor and request Deep Purple AI Consulting as your implementation partner.
Prefer to email? hello@deeppurple.ai
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply for Enterprise Ireland grants if I'm currently with LEO?
A: If you have 10+ employees and growth potential, you may be ready to transition. Speak to your LEO advisor about "graduating" to Enterprise Ireland.
Q: How long does the application process take?
A: Discovery grants: 2-3 weeks. Strategic grants: 4-6 weeks. Major implementation grants: 6-8 weeks from submission to decision.
Q: Can I combine multiple grants for the same project?
A: You can't double-fund the same costs, but you can use different grants for different aspects of your AI transformation (e.g., consultancy via one grant, training via another).
Q: What if my AI project fails?
A: Innovation involves risk. Enterprise Ireland understands not all projects succeed. As long as you've followed the plan and reporting requirements, failure doesn't affect future applications.
Q: Do I need to pay consultants upfront?
A: Most grants reimburse costs, so you'll need working capital. However, many approved consultants offer flexible payment terms aligned with grant drawdowns.
Q: Can I use these grants with any AI consultant?
A: Yes, but using approved providers like Deep Purple strengthens your application and ensures smooth delivery.
Q: What's the difference between Digital Process Innovation and R&D funding?
A: Digital Process Innovation is for implementing existing AI technologies in new ways. R&D is for developing entirely new AI solutions or algorithms.
Q: Can service companies apply, or is it just for manufacturing?
A: Service companies are absolutely eligible, especially those in internationally traded services. Many of our successful applications are from professional services firms.
Conclusion: Your €400,000 Opportunity Awaits
While everyone talks about AI transformation, Enterprise Ireland is putting serious money behind it. With over €400,000 available across multiple grants, the question isn't whether you can afford to implement AI – it's whether you can afford not to when your competitors are accessing these funds.
The grants are there. The support is there. The expertise is available. What's missing is your application.
Remember: every month you delay is a month your competitors might be using these same grants to pull ahead. Enterprise Ireland has made AI transformation accessible to every Irish company with ambition. Now it's your turn to act.
Start small with a €5,000 Discovery grant, or go big with €150,000 for Digital Process Innovation. Either way, start today. Your AI transformation doesn't have to drain your cash flow – the Irish government is ready to fund your journey.
In our next comprehensive guide, we'll explore IDA Ireland grants for companies creating jobs and driving economic growth. Learn about:
- R&D grants for large-scale AI projects
- Employment grants tied to job creation
- Training support for new AI roles
- Capital grants for AI infrastructure
Stay updated: Follow Deep Purple AI Consulting on LinkedIn or Instagram to be notified when our next guide is published.
About Brian Egan
Founder & CEO, Deep Purple AI Consulting
Brian Egan is the Founder and CEO of Deep Purple AI Consulting. With over 26 years in software and AI — from studying neural networks at Dublin City University, to building intelligent mobile systems for Vodafone, Nokia, and Hutchison 3G, to founding four technology companies that delivered machine learning, computer vision, and predictive AI solutions to real businesses — Brian has been building with AI technologies at every stage of their evolution.
His interest in artificial intelligence began at DCU, where he studied neural networks and pattern recognition as part of his BSc in Computer Applications. As a Marie Curie Research Fellow in Germany, he worked on EU Framework projects developing intelligent systems for integrating emerging mobile technologies with enterprise software. At Cibenix (2003–2011), he spent eight years designing on-device software for Vodafone, Nokia, Hutchison 3G, Sony Ericsson, and other global operators — work that increasingly involved content personalisation, user behaviour analysis, and adaptive delivery logic.
In 2012, Brian founded Purpledecks, a software consultancy that evolved with the AI landscape — incorporating machine learning, computer vision, data classification, predictive features, and recommendation engines into client projects years before the current generative AI wave. From Purpledecks came Hype4 (UX research including AI-powered biometric identification for government programmes), Mapall (fibre optic network intelligence with spatial analytics and route optimisation), and Reactable AI (one of Ireland's earliest production deployments of autonomous AI agents).
An Enterprise Ireland approved consultant, LEO Digital for Business provider, and former Marie Curie Research Fellow, Brian now works directly with established businesses across Ireland and the UK, helping them identify where AI delivers genuine commercial value and guiding them from first assessment through to working system.
Related Resources
LEO Grants Guide: Free Consultancy to €150,000
Complete guide to Local Enterprise Office grants for small businesses with 1-50 employees.
IDA Ireland Grants: Lean Digitalisation Funding
Comprehensive guide to IDA Ireland funding for multinational and FDI companies.
Our AI Consulting Services
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Data Analytics for Irish SMEs: The Complete Guide
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