The Exploring Research Grant Scheme

This Grant Scheme aims to provide Support for conducting feasibility studies in relation to Research & Development activities.

Who is eligible for this scheme?

This scheme is open for the following types of enterprises: limited liability companies, partnerships and co-operatives. They must not be in default on income tax, vat and social security payments and must not be considered as undertakings in difficulty.

What costs are eligible under this Grant?

The following costs are eligible for this Grant Scheme:

- Wage Costs – This shall cover wages of reseachers, technical personnel and other staff required f the carrying out of the feasibility stdy to the extent and for the duration that they are directly engaged on the approved feasibility study  up to a maximum of EUR 80,000 per annum.

- Contractual research, technical knowledge and patents – This shall include costs of contractual research, technical knowledge and patents bought or licensed from outside sources at arm’s length conditions as well as costs of consultancy and equivalent services used exclusively for the approved feasibility study. This must be outsourced to universities, research institutes, independent laboratories or third parties unrelated to the beneficiary.

- Other operating expenses – This includes additional overheads and other operating expenses including costs of materials, supplies and similar products incurred directly as a result of the approved feasibility study.

How is assistance granted?

Support will be provided in the form of  a cash grant of up to €100,000 which shall be capped at:

a) 50% of eligible costs if the beneficiary is a Large Undertaking;

b) 60% of eligible costs if the beneficiary is a Medium-Sized Undertaking;

c) 70% of eligible costs if the beneficiary is a Small Undertaking.

Should you require any further assistance or require any further information about the reduced rate of tax, do not hesitate to contact us so that we may assist you.

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