Ocean Knowledge 2030 ELEVATE Industry-Led Awards Call (2026) Equipment and Infrastructure
The Marine Institute is delighted to launch the ELEVATE Industry-Led Awards Call (2026) for equipment and infrastructure purchase, which is specifically aimed at Small & Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in order for them to enhance their marine R&D capabilities.
The funding is aimed at supporting equipment and infrastructure costs for the development of innovative technologies, products and services from existing or new marine-based business. Applicants should focus on sustainable development, protection of the environment and advancing towards a climate-neutral ocean economy.
Ocean Knowledge 2030 Ireland’s Strategy for Marine Research, Knowledge and Innovation, 2025-2030 provides a clear rationale for continued investment in marine research and innovation and in building and maintaining research capacity across the research, development and innovation (RDI) system. The strategy also recognises that a significant proportion of RDI is undertaken within the private sector and the imperative to ensure that marine/maritime SMEs are supported in their efforts to enhance in-house RDI capability through targeted investments.
Applicants must demonstrate how their proposals will advance R&I capacity linked to the research themes and priorities set out in the Ocean Knowledge 2030 Strategy.
Applicants should also demonstrate that their proposed research will advance new technologies, products and processes that help the transition of these maritime sectors towards sustainable, efficient, low energy & environmental impact activities, operations and business models.
Proposals are invited from eligible legal SME entities (with registered office on the island of Ireland – ROI and NI) with the appropriate scientific and technical qualifications and research expertise. Up to two SMEs can apply for equipment & infrastructure purchase to carry out marine research & development in their company, with duration and funding as follows:
Duration SME Partners Max Grant-Aid Requested (excluding VAT)
Six months Two max 100,000 Euro
12-18 months Two max 200,000 Euro
Further details including the application procedure are available in the Guidelines for Applicants for this call.
All applications must be submitted through the Marine Institute's Research Information Management System (RIMS). Details on registration and links to the system are also available in the Guidelines for Applicants.
This call will close on Thursday, 10th September 2026 at 16:00. Please email the Research Funding Office (funding@marine.ie) if you have any queries.
