The Ocean Knowledge ELEVATE Industry-Led Awards Call offers funding to support marine Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in enhancing their research and development capabilities. The initiative is focused on facilitating targeted investments in essential equipment and infrastructure to bolster innovation and competitiveness within the marine and maritime sectors.
Program Objectives and Focus
• Program Goal: To support continued investment in marine research and innovation, helping marine and maritime SMEs enhance their in-house research and development capabilities through targeted investments.
• Capacity Building: The program supports SMEs in developing their capacity to engage in research and maximise the impact of their work through the purchase of research equipment and small infrastructure.
• Applicant Demonstration: Applicants must demonstrate how the investment will enhance their R&D capabilities, improve competitiveness, and support the development or acquisition of scientific or technological capability and knowledge.
Key Focus Areas
• Marine research, knowledge and innovation
• Sustainable and climate-neutral blue economy
• Healthy marine environment
• Ocean health and sustainability
• Research and innovation investments
• Marine and maritime research impact
• Marine research capacity building
• Knowledge sharing and technology transfer
• Sustainable economic growth
• Marine resource protection and conservation
• Public policy support
• Public awareness of maritime resources and heritage
Funding and Award Details
• Total Grant Aid: €1 million is available under the call.
• Number of Awards: The Marine Institute anticipates making approximately 10 awards.
• Minimum Award Value: €20,000, excluding VAT.
• Funding Tiers: For projects lasting six months, applicants can request a maximum grant of €100,000 with up to two SME partners. For projects lasting 12 to 18 months, applicants can request a maximum grant of €200,000 with up to two SME partners.
Project Requirements
• Project Duration: Successful awards will have a duration of six to 18 months.
• Research Scope: The funding supports equipment or infrastructure for specific research programmes that are novel, innovative, and aimed at improving the competitiveness of the marine sector in line with Ocean Knowledge 2030 objectives.
• Company Involvement: The funding is for individual companies or groups of one or two companies. Participating companies are expected to complete a significant amount of work in-house.
• Commercialization: Participants are expected to take steps to commercialise research outputs through new or improved products, processes, or services.
Eligibility and Application
• Eligible Applicants: Applications are open to small and medium-sized enterprises headquartered on the island of Ireland that are legal entities with appropriate scientific and technical capabilities and research expertise.
• Application Deadline: September 10, 2026.
For comprehensive details regarding the ELEVATE Industry-Led Awards Call, including full eligibility criteria and application procedures, interested parties should visit the Marine Institute.