Deadline: 08-Jul-2026
The Innovators’ Initiative II (STEP) programme provides funding for Irish publicly funded research organisations to develop innovation training aligned with EU Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) priorities. It supports deep tech, green transition, digital innovation, and industrial competitiveness, with a total funding pool of €10.5 million across three regional programmes over four years. Projects must begin by 1 January 2027 and focus on skills development and commercialisation readiness.
Overview of Innovators’ Initiative II (STEP) Programme
The Innovators’ Initiative II (STEP) programme is a funding initiative designed for Irish research organisations to develop innovation training programmes aligned with European Union technology and industrial policy priorities. It builds on the first Innovators’ Initiative and supports the EU Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), established in February 2024 to strengthen Europe’s industrial capacity and investment in critical technologies.
The programme aims to enhance innovation capability within Ireland’s research ecosystem by supporting training that connects research, skills development, and downstream commercialisation in strategic technology sectors.
Purpose and Strategic Objectives
The programme is designed to strengthen Ireland’s and the EU’s position in critical technology areas by supporting structured innovation training and capability development.
Key objectives include:
- Advancing development and manufacturing of STEP-aligned critical technologies
- Strengthening alignment with Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) priorities across regions
- Supporting deep technology, digital innovation, and green transition goals
- Enhancing EU industrial competitiveness
- Reducing strategic technological dependencies
- Promoting clean technologies and biotechnology advancement
- Strengthening innovation skills and workforce development
- Supporting commercialisation pathways for research outputs
Focus Areas of the Programme
The programme prioritises training and innovation activities in the following areas:
- Critical STEP technologies development and manufacturing
- Deep technology innovation and scaling
- Green and clean technology transitions
- Digital transformation and advanced technologies
- Biotechnology development
- Immersive innovation training programmes
- Skills development for researchers and innovators
- Downstream commercialisation and industry translation
Funding Structure and Allocation
The total funding allocation for the programme is €10.5 million, distributed across three programmes.
Funding breakdown:
- Total funding pool: €10.5 million
- Three programmes in total
- One programme allocated to the Northern & Western Region
- Two programmes allocated to the Southern, Eastern & Midland Region
- Estimated funding per programme: €3.5 million
- Project duration: up to four years (three academic cycles)
- Mandatory start date: on or before 1 January 2027
Eligible Costs
The programme supports operational and delivery-focused costs necessary for running innovation training initiatives.
Eligible costs include:
- Programme delivery teams and staffing
- Participant stipends
- Training and learning activities
- Operational and administrative expenses
Non-eligible costs include:
- Capital infrastructure
- Equipment purchases
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is restricted to Irish publicly funded research institutions.
Eligible applicants:
- Publicly funded Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) in the Republic of Ireland
- Consortia of eligible RPOs, provided a lead host organisation is designated
Not eligible:
- Individual companies
- Industry clusters
- Representative bodies
Programme Design and Expected Outcomes
The Innovators’ Initiative II (STEP) programme is designed to create structured innovation ecosystems within Irish research institutions. It encourages alignment with EU industrial priorities while supporting practical training that connects research outputs to real-world application and commercialisation.
Expected outcomes include:
- Increased innovation capacity in critical technology sectors
- Stronger regional alignment with EU S3 strategies
- Improved skills pipeline for researchers and innovators
- Enhanced commercialisation of research outputs
- Greater integration of EU STEP priorities into national research systems
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Innovators’ Initiative II (STEP) programme?
- It is an Irish funding programme supporting research organisations to design innovation training aligned with EU STEP technology priorities.
- Who can apply for funding?
- Eligible applicants include:
- Publicly funded Research Performing Organisations in Ireland
- Consortia of such organisations with a designated lead host
- Eligible applicants include:
- Who is not eligible?
- The following are not eligible:
- Individual companies
- Industry clusters
- Representative bodies
- The following are not eligible:
- What is the total funding available?
- Funding details include:
- Total programme funding: €10.5 million
- Three programmes of approximately €3.5 million each
- Funding details include:
- What is the project duration?
- Project requirements include:
- Up to four years duration
- Covers three academic cycles
- Must begin by 1 January 2027
- Project requirements include:
- What costs are eligible?
- Eligible costs include:
- Staffing and programme delivery teams
- Participant stipends
- Training activities
- Operational expenses
- Not eligible:
- Capital infrastructure
- Equipment purchases
- Eligible costs include:
Conclusion
The Innovators’ Initiative II (STEP) programme is a strategic EU-aligned funding initiative designed to strengthen innovation training capacity within Irish research organisations. It supports critical technology development, skills advancement, and commercialisation pathways while reinforcing Europe’s broader industrial and technological priorities.
For more information, visit Enterprise Ireland.