RTDI Measures for the period 2000-2006

Commercialisation Fund

Supports academic researchers to take the outputs of research with commercial potential and bring it to a point where it can be transferred into industry. There are three phases, giving a structured and coherent approach to support. These phases are: Proof of Concept, Technology Development and Commercialisation Plus.

1. Proof of Concept
   This scheme focuses on a "proof of concept" model. Individuals or small groups work on short, applied projects to develop a product concept to a stage where a route to commercialisation is clear. Campus company or a licensing arrangement may be involved in the planned route to commercialisation.
   
2. Technology Development
   The Technology Development phase will fund research aimed at significant development around platform technologies, or groups of products built around a new technology, that will attract the interest and investment of Irish Industry.
   
3. Commercialisation Plus
   Under the Technology Development phase of the Commercialisation Fund, applicants are asked to explore appropriate commercialisation strategies in tandem with their technology development.
   
   This fund is intended for researchers reaching the completion of the Technology Development phase who need additional funding to realise the commercial potential of their development.
   

Intellectual Property Fund

1. Support is provided to third level institutions and industrial concerns to assist with the protection and management of patents. There is a steady and increasing demand from the academic community for support in this area as levels of research grow and the awareness of commercial potential increases.
2. In 2004, 40 new grants were approved and this is expected to grow to 80 in subsequent years.

Incubator Space

1. Support is provided towards the costs of the building and management of incubator centres in Institutes of Technology. This is to encourage the spin off of technology from research in the institution, and the structured collaboration between firms in the locality and the college.

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