Innovation Vouchers can be used for any kind of innovation such as:

• new product / process development;
• new business model development;
• new service delivery and customer interface;
• new service development;
• tailored training in innovation management;
• innovation / technology audit

Knowledge of:

• efficiency audits, process change,
• supply chain management and logistics;
• Product and service testing and economic impact assessment

Vouchers can be exchanged for knowledge transfer projects from the knowledge provider.

For the purposes of this initiative, a knowledge transfer project is defined as one that transfers knowledge of a scientific, technological or innovative nature that it is new to the small enterprise. The small enterprise may then use the new knowledge to innovate a product, process or service.

Ineligible activities:

The Innovation Voucher may not be used to cover the costs of:

• achieving compliance with statutory regulations or legislation
• standard training courses
• software purchases and software development
• aid that would promote/subsidise the cost of exports
• internships for students of knowledge institutions
• design and production of advertising material
• sales activities
• business plans and economic appraisals
• standard website development and online optimisation
• activities such as market research and market surveys that may be readily provided by the private sector
• activities supported by the mainstream funding mechanisms available from other Development Agencies such as the County Enterprise Board’s.

If potential solutions to the knowledge question already exist in the marketplace then Enterprise Ireland is likely to reject the application on the basis that the proposed activity may be undertaken by the private sector.