InterTradeIreland Grants: €130,000+ in Fully Funded AI Expertise
Founder & CEO, Deep Purple AI Consulting
InterTradeIreland grants provide fully funded access to AI and innovation specialists for businesses operating anywhere on the island of Ireland. Unlike other government grants that require 50% matching from the business, InterTradeIreland covers 100% of specialist costs through Business Explorer, and funds academic partnerships plus 50% of a dedicated Project Manager through Innovation Boost — with combined funding potential exceeding €130,000.
As an InterTradeIreland-approved specialist, we've worked with businesses across the island of Ireland to access fully funded AI expertise through these programmes. This guide is based on our direct experience delivering InterTradeIreland grants-funded projects.
Quick Summary
Verified for 2026 Budget- ✓SMEs across the island of Ireland can access over €130,000 in fully funded expertise for AI and digital transformation.
- ✓Unlike other government grants, InterTradeIreland's innovation programmes cover 100% of specialist and academic costs – you contribute management time, not cash
- ✓Both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland businesses can apply
- ✓Clear progression pathway from €5,800 discovery projects to full implementation
Innovation Pathway at a Glance
| Feature | Phase 1: Explore | Phase 2: Plan | Phase 3: BoostMain Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Validate AI Idea | Technical AI Roadmap | Full AI Implementation |
| Funding | €5,800 / £5,000 | €23,200 / £20,000 | €67,900 / £56,000 |
| Duration | 5 Days Specialist | 18 Days Specialist | 18 Months + Grad Hire |
| Requirement | Trading 12+ Months | Phase 1 Completion* | Phase 2 Completion* |
*InterTradeIreland prefers projects to follow this sequential pathway in 2026.
Not sure InterTradeIreland is the right fit?
This guide covers cross-border 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.
Grant Guide Series
Your Complete Guide to AI Grants in Ireland
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InterTradeIreland Grants 2026: Cross-Border
You are hereFor 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. .
Why InterTradeIreland for AI Projects?
The most common misconception about InterTradeIreland: you do NOT need to be trading cross-border to qualify.
The "cross-border" element refers to where your funded specialist comes from — not your business activity. Here's how it works:
- If your business is in the Republic of Ireland, you'll be matched with a specialist from Northern Ireland
- If your business is in Northern Ireland, you'll be matched with a specialist from the Republic of Ireland
Your business can be entirely domestic — a Dublin restaurant chain, a Belfast engineering firm, a Limerick manufacturer — and still qualify. The cross-border knowledge exchange is the programme's purpose, not a requirement for your business model.
InterTradeIreland is the only all-island trade and business development body, established to help businesses across Ireland and Northern Ireland grow through cross-border collaboration, innovation, and trade.
With 25 years' experience, they've supported over 60,000 businesses and generated €1.95bn in business development value across the island.
Contact: Phone: 028 3083 4100 (048 3083 4100 from Ireland) | Email: info@intertradeireland.com | Website: intertradeireland.com
While most businesses are familiar with Enterprise Ireland or LEO grants, InterTradeIreland's innovation programmes remain underutilised – particularly for AI projects. Here's why they deserve your attention:
Fully Funded Expertise
Unlike Enterprise Ireland grants where you typically pay 50% upfront, InterTradeIreland pays 100% of academic and specialist costs. Your contribution is management time, not cash.
Cross-Border Expertise
Republic of Ireland businesses work with Northern Ireland specialists; Northern Ireland businesses work with Republic of Ireland specialists. Fresh perspectives and access to expertise you wouldn't find locally.
Clear Progression Pathway
The programmes flow naturally: Explore your AI challenge (€5,800) → Plan your implementation (€23,200) → Implement with Innovation Boost (€67,900). Enter at any stage.
AI Explicitly Supported
InterTradeIreland specifically lists "Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning)" as a focus area. This is exactly what these programmes are designed for.
€130,000 AI Funding Pathway: Complete Overview
Here's how the InterTradeIreland innovation grants stack up for AI projects:
| Programme | Stage | Funding Available | Your Cash Contribution | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Explorer – Explore | Discovery | €5,800 (£5,000) per challenge | €0 | 5 days over 3-6 months |
| Business Explorer – Plan | Planning | €23,200 (£20,000) per plan | €0 | 18 days over 3-6 months |
| Innovation Boost | Implementation | €67,900 (£56,000) | €0 for academic; 50% for PM salary | 12-18 months |
Maximum Funding Potential
Business Explorer maximum:
- Up to 3 Explore applications = €17,400 (£15,000)
- Up to 2 Plan applications = €46,400 (£40,000)
- Total: €63,800 (£55,000)
Innovation Boost adds: €67,900 (£56,000)
Combined pathway total: Over €130,000 in funded support
Business Explorer: Up to €63,000 for Discovery & Planning
Business Explorer is InterTradeIreland's programme for SMEs tackling technical business challenges or developing new ideas in science, engineering, and technology – including AI. The programme connects you with academic professionals or industry specialists who help you explore innovative solutions.
Key principle: You work with a specialist from the opposite jurisdiction to where your business is based. A Dublin company would work with a Belfast-based academic; a Derry company would work with a Galway-based specialist.
Business Explorer
Explore Stage
€5,800 (£5,000) + VAT per application
5 days of specialist time
3-6 months
Up to 3 (different challenges)
What Explore delivers:
- Investigation of a technical challenge or new idea
- Expert assessment of potential solutions
- Identification of whether AI is the right approach
- Foundation for moving to the Plan stage
Perfect for: Businesses unsure if AI applies to their challenge, companies wanting expert validation before committing, first-time AI exploration with minimal risk.
Plan Stage
€23,200 (£20,000) + VAT per application
18 days of specialist time
3-6 months
Up to 2 (different plans)
What Plan delivers:
- Detailed implementation roadmap
- Technical specifications for your AI solution
- Training and development requirements identified
- Business case and ROI projections
- Ready-to-execute project plan
Perfect for: Businesses that know AI is right but need a detailed plan, companies preparing for Innovation Boost application, organisations needing technical specifications for procurement.
Eligibility at a Glance
To qualify for Business Explorer, your business must:
- Be an SME with 3-249 employees
- Be a manufacturing or tradable services company
- Be located on the island of Ireland (North or South)
- Be indigenous to the island of Ireland
- Have minimum £100,000 annual turnover (up to £40m)
- Have at least 1.5 years trading history
- Demonstrate senior management commitment to the project
Ineligible Sectors
Innovation Boost: Up to €67,900 for Implementation
Innovation Boost is InterTradeIreland's flagship implementation programme. Where Business Explorer helps you explore and plan, Innovation Boost funds the actual delivery of your AI solution.
How Innovation Boost Works: It creates a three-way partnership between your business (defining the challenge), an academic partner (providing specialist expertise – 100% funded), and a Project Manager (a graduate you employ to drive delivery – 50% funded).
Innovation Boost
18-Month Project
Up to €67,900 (£56,000)
18 months
100% funded
50% salary funded
Best for: New AI-powered products, services, or major capabilities that require comprehensive development and integration.
12-Month Project
Up to €47,400 (£39,000)
12 months
100% funded
50% salary funded
Best for: AI to improve existing processes where the scope is well-defined and implementation is more focused.
Eligibility at a Glance
To qualify for Innovation Boost, your business must:
- Be an SME with 5-249 full-time employees
- Be a manufacturing or tradable services company
- Be located on the island of Ireland (North or South)
- Be financially viable
- Have at least 2 years trading history
- Demonstrate understanding of and capacity for innovation
- Show the need for technical support
- Have senior management commitment to support the project
What Innovation Boost Delivers: Working AI systems implemented in your business, embedded expertise through the Project Manager, academic partnership with ongoing access to specialist knowledge, capability transfer so your team learns to manage and extend the solution, and documented outcomes with measurable business impact.
InterTradeIreland's AI Grant Pathway
The most effective approach to InterTradeIreland funding is to use the programmes as a progressive pathway. Here's how a typical AI implementation journey unfolds:
Explore (€5,800)
Identify your business challenge
Perhaps inventory forecasting is unreliable, or quality control is inconsistent. You're not sure if AI is the answer.
Work with a cross-border specialist
An academic or industry expert investigates your challenge and assesses potential solutions.
Outcome
Confidence that you're pursuing the right solution, backed by expert analysis.
Plan (€23,200)
Develop detailed implementation plan
The Explore stage confirmed AI is the right approach. Now you need technical specifications, training requirements, and ROI projections.
Create your Innovation Boost foundation
The plan you develop forms the basis of your Innovation Boost application.
Outcome
A ready-to-execute project plan that forms the foundation of your Innovation Boost application.
Implement via Innovation Boost (€67,900)
Recruit your Project Manager
Employ a graduate to drive delivery (50% salary funded by InterTradeIreland).
Partner with academic expertise
Work with an academic partner from the opposite jurisdiction (100% funded).
Deliver your AI solution
The three-way partnership delivers your working AI systems.
Outcome
Working AI systems, embedded capability, and measurable business results.
Why This Pathway Works
- De-risks your investment – Each stage validates before you commit further
- Builds your application strength – Completing earlier stages demonstrates commitment
- Creates continuity – Learning from Explore/Plan feeds directly into implementation
- Maximises funding – Access the full €130,000+ across all programmes
Pro tip: You don't have to start at Explore. If you already know what you need, you can apply directly to Plan or Innovation Boost. But having completed earlier stages significantly strengthens your application.
Quick Eligibility Checklist for InterTradeIreland Programmes
Tick all that apply to confirm you're likely eligible:
Your business is located on the island of Ireland (Republic or Northern Ireland)
You have fewer than 250 employees
Your annual turnover is under €50 million
You operate in an eligible sector (manufacturing, professional services, technology, food & beverage — NOT retail, tourism, hospitality, or personal services)
You have a specific business challenge that technology or innovation could address
You can commit management time to the programme (typically 2-3 hours per week during the project)
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Business Explorer | Innovation Boost |
|---|---|---|
| Employee count | 3-249 | 5-249 (full-time) |
| Business type | Manufacturing or tradable services | Manufacturing or tradable services |
| Location | Island of Ireland | Island of Ireland |
| Turnover | £100k - £40m | Must be financially viable |
| Trading history | 1.5 years minimum | 2 years minimum |
| Indigenous | Must be indigenous to island | Not explicitly required |
A common misconception is that your business needs to trade cross-border to qualify. This is not the case.
The cross-border element refers to where your funded expertise comes from. Republic of Ireland businesses work with Northern Ireland specialists; Northern Ireland businesses work with Republic of Ireland specialists. Your business simply needs to be located on the island of Ireland. InterTradeIreland handles the cross-border matching.
InterTradeIreland's definition of 'innovation' is broader than most people expect. If your business is service-based, frame your AI project around how it transforms your service delivery into something scalable or exportable. We've seen consulting firms, logistics companies, and professional services businesses all successfully access Innovation Boost funding by positioning their AI project as a capability transformation rather than just an internal efficiency gain.
The AI Pivot Strategy: Moving from Services to Products
⚠️ Is Your Service Business Ineligible? The AI Pivot Strategy
InterTradeIreland typically excludes professional services. However, in 2026, we are helping clients qualify by focusing on Productisation. If you are building a custom AI product, platform, or automated process that can be sold internationally, you move from "Service" to "Tradable Product".
Action Points:
- Focus on R&D for a proprietary AI tool
- Ensure the project solves a technical "challenge" rather than just business scaling
- Highlight how the AI product will be sold in the cross-border market
Application Process: From First Contact to Funding
Your Complete Application Roadmap
Phase 1: Business Explorer Application
Check Eligibility
Review the criteria at the Business Explorer page
Register for an Information Session
Not sure where to start? Register for a one-to-one session with the Business Explorer team
Submit Application
Complete the online application form describing your technical challenge and what you hope to achieve
Matching
InterTradeIreland identifies suitable academic or industry specialists from the opposite jurisdiction
Project Delivery
Work with your matched specialist to explore/plan your AI solution (3-6 months)
Phase 2: Innovation Boost Application
Initial Assessment
Complete an initial assessment to discuss your business needs and confirm eligibility
Consultant Meeting
If eligible, an Innovation Boost consultant meets you to understand your needs in detail
Academic Matching
InterTradeIreland identifies academic partners with relevant expertise from the opposite jurisdiction
Joint Application
You and your matched academic partner submit a joint application for funding
Project Manager Recruitment
Once approved, you recruit a Project Manager (graduate) for the project
Project Delivery
The three-way partnership delivers your AI solution over 12-18 months
What Can You Actually Build With InterTradeIreland Funding?
InterTradeIreland programmes provide fully funded expert consultancy — meaning you pay nothing for the project itself. Here's what businesses typically deliver:
- →With Business Explorer (fully funded): A complete AI readiness assessment — mapping your cross-border operations, identifying automation opportunities, and building an implementation roadmap.
- →With Innovation Boost (fully funded): A working prototype or pilot system — cross-border quoting automation, multi-site reporting dashboards, or predictive demand planning across ROI and NI operations.
At Deep Purple, we guide businesses through InterTradeIreland applications and deliver the AI implementation. We've worked with businesses across the island of Ireland.
Real AI Use Cases for These Grants
Business Explorer – Explore: AI Readiness Assessment
A manufacturing company in Cork suspects AI could improve their quality control, but they're not sure where to start or if it's even feasible with their current data.
What the Explore funding delivers:
- Specialist from Queen's University Belfast assesses current data quality
- Evaluation of AI approaches (computer vision, predictive analytics, etc.)
- Feasibility report with clear go/no-go recommendation
Investment: €0 cash (€5,800 fully funded)
Business Explorer – Plan: AI Implementation Roadmap
A logistics company in Belfast knows they need AI-powered demand forecasting but needs a detailed technical plan before committing to implementation.
What the Plan funding delivers:
- Specialist from Dublin City University develops detailed specifications
- Data architecture requirements and integration points mapped
- 18-month implementation roadmap with business case and ROI projections
Investment: €0 cash (€23,200 fully funded)
Innovation Boost: Full AI Implementation
A food processing company in Galway wants to implement predictive maintenance using AI to reduce equipment downtime.
What Innovation Boost delivers:
- Academic partner from Ulster University provides expertise in industrial AI
- Funded Project Manager drives implementation full-time
- Sensors, ML models, and system integration delivered
- Staff trained to operate and maintain the system
Investment: 50% of Project Manager salary (academic costs 100% funded)
- Inventory management optimisation – AI-driven demand forecasting
- Document processing automation – Intelligent data extraction from invoices, contracts
- Customer service enhancement – AI assistants for common queries
- Production scheduling – Optimised resource allocation
- Quality prediction – Early detection of defects
- Energy optimisation – AI-driven consumption management
- Supply chain visibility – Predictive analytics for disruption
Insider Tips for Application Success
Here are the factors that separate successful applications from rejections:
Frame It as Innovation, Not IT
InterTradeIreland funds innovation – novel applications of technology to solve business problems. Simply buying off-the-shelf software doesn't qualify.
Do say:
"We want to develop a custom AI model trained on our specific production data to predict equipment failures before they occur."
Don't say:
"We want to buy some AI software."
Demonstrate Senior Management Commitment
Both programmes require evidence that leadership is behind the project:
- Named executive sponsor
- Clear allocation of management time
- Commitment to provide data and resources
- Willingness to act on recommendations
Be Specific About the Business Challenge
Vague applications fail. Be concrete about:
- What problem you're trying to solve
- What it currently costs you (time, money, quality)
- What success looks like
- How you'll measure improvement
Use Business Explorer to Strengthen Innovation Boost Applications
Completing Explore and Plan stages creates documented evidence of:
- Your commitment to the project
- Technical feasibility (validated by experts)
- Clear implementation roadmap
- Realistic expectations
Engage Early
Don't wait until you have everything figured out. InterTradeIreland's team can help you:
- Determine which programme is right for you
- Shape your application
- Connect you with relevant specialists
Consider the Project Manager Strategically
For Innovation Boost, think about:
- What skills you need (data science, engineering, project management)
- Whether you'll retain them after the project (many businesses do)
- How they'll work with the academic partner
Common Rejection Reasons
- Not innovative enough – Buying standard software rather than developing novel solutions
- Vague business case – No clear problem statement or success metrics
- Ineligible sector – Retail, hospitality, tourism, etc.
- Lack of commitment – No senior management involvement evident
- Poor fit – Project doesn't require cross-border expertise
- Incomplete application – Missing information or documentation
Your Next Steps
You now have the complete roadmap to accessing over €130,000 in InterTradeIreland funding for AI transformation. Here's exactly what to do next:
If You're New to InterTradeIreland:
Today
Review the Business Explorer and Innovation Boost pages
This Week
Register for a one-to-one information session
Next 2 Weeks
Discuss your AI challenge and get guidance
Within 30 Days
Submit your first application
If You've Already Explored AI Options:
Today
Assess whether Business Explorer Plan or Innovation Boost is the right entry point
This Week
Contact InterTradeIreland at info@intertradeireland.com
Next 2 Weeks
Prepare your application with specific project details
Within 30 Days
Submit your application
Ready to Access Your AI Funding?
Deep Purple works with businesses across the island of Ireland – both Republic and Northern Ireland. As an approved specialist, we've helped companies access significant government funding for AI projects.
Access up to €130,000+ in funding for your AI transformation through InterTradeIreland grants.
Arrange a short call below or contact InterTradeIreland and request Deep Purple AI Consulting as your implementation partner.
Prefer to email? hello@deeppurple.ai
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to be trading cross-border to qualify?
A: No. Your business just needs to be located on the island of Ireland (North or South). The "cross-border" element refers to where your funded specialist comes from – InterTradeIreland matches you with expertise from the opposite jurisdiction.
Q: Can Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland businesses both apply?
A: Yes. Both programmes support SMEs located anywhere on the island of Ireland. A Dublin business works with NI specialists; a Belfast business works with ROI specialists.
Q: What's the difference between Business Explorer and Innovation Boost?
A: Business Explorer funds exploration and planning (up to €63,000 across Explore and Plan stages). Innovation Boost funds implementation (up to €67,900) including a Project Manager and academic partner. Many businesses progress through Business Explorer into Innovation Boost.
Q: Do I have to pay anything?
A: For Business Explorer, the specialist costs are 100% funded – you contribute management time only. For Innovation Boost, academic costs are 100% funded, and you pay 50% of the Project Manager's salary (InterTradeIreland funds the other 50%).
Q: How long does approval take?
A: Business Explorer applications typically take 4-6 weeks. Innovation Boost applications take 6-10 weeks due to the academic matching process.
Q: Can I apply directly to Innovation Boost without doing Business Explorer first?
A: Yes, you can enter at any stage. However, completing Business Explorer stages strengthens your Innovation Boost application by demonstrating commitment and providing validated project plans.
Q: What if my business is in an ineligible sector?
A: Wholesale/retail, distribution, tourism, hospitality, primary agriculture, and personal services are not eligible. However, if your project involves developing internationally tradable products or services, professional services businesses may qualify. Contact InterTradeIreland to discuss your specific situation.
Q: Can I combine InterTradeIreland funding with other grants?
A: You cannot double-fund the same costs. However, InterTradeIreland funding can complement other programmes. For example, you might use Business Explorer for AI planning, then Enterprise Ireland grants for broader digital transformation. Discuss your specific situation with both agencies.
Q: What happens to the Project Manager after Innovation Boost ends?
A: The Project Manager becomes your employee from day one. Many businesses retain them permanently, giving you embedded AI capability. The 50% salary funding ends when the programme concludes.
Q: Is AI specifically supported, or do I need to frame it differently?
A: AI is explicitly listed as a focus area. InterTradeIreland specifically mentions "Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning)" as supported technologies. You don't need to disguise your AI project.
Conclusion: Your €130,000 Opportunity
InterTradeIreland offers something unique in the Irish funding landscape: fully funded access to AI expertise without the cash contribution required by other programmes. For businesses exploring AI for the first time, this removes the financial barrier entirely.
The pathway is clear:
- Explore your AI challenge with €5,800 in funded expertise
- Plan your implementation with €23,200 in detailed roadmapping
- Implement with €67,900 through Innovation Boost
Combined, that's over €130,000 in support – and your only contribution is management time and commitment. The grants are there. The expertise is available. The pathway is proven. What's missing is your application.
Remember: every month you delay is a month your competitors might be using these same programmes to build AI capability. InterTradeIreland has made AI transformation accessible to every SME on the island of Ireland. Now it's your turn to act.
In our next comprehensive guide, we'll explore funding opportunities for businesses in the West of Ireland with the Western Development Commission. Learn about:
- Western Investment Fund for scaling businesses
- Creative West funding for creative enterprises
- Regional development supports
- Equity and loan investment funds for SMEs
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 2026: Free Consultancy to €150,000
Complete guide to Local Enterprise Office grants for small businesses with 1-50 employees.
Enterprise Ireland Grants 2026: Up to €400,000 for AI Projects
Comprehensive guide to Enterprise Ireland funding for scaling Irish companies.
Údarás na Gaeltachta Grants 2026
AI funding opportunities for businesses in Gaeltacht regions.
IDA Ireland Grants 2026 for Multinationals
Digital transformation funding for multinational and FDI companies in Ireland.