Where should my organisation start if unsure of our business needs?
What government supports are available to help my SME start using AI?
Is there a clear pathway of supports for my organisation as we progress with AI?
What funding is available to help my organisation implement AI solutions?
What supports are available if my organisation wants to scale AI across the business?
How can my organisation test AI before making an investment?
Can my organisation collaborate with universities or AI experts to develop solutions?
Are there structured AI programmes or accelerators that my organisation can join?
What support exists for more advanced or innovative AI projects?
Are these AI and digital supports relevant to my organisation’s sector?
Where should my organisation start if unsure of our business needs?
Supports that help you navigate the system easily:
Grow Digital portal – assess your digital maturity and identify relevant supports with a free consultation.
Connect to the National Enterprise Hub which is a central access point for grants, advice and training.
What government supports are available to help my SME start using AI and digital transformation?
Most SMEs begin with supports from the Local Enterprise Office (LEO):
Consultancy support such as Digital for Business (DfB)
- free digital/AI readiness audit
- provides a roadmap tailored to your business
Financial support such as Grow Digital Voucher
- up to €5,000 (50% funding)
- supports AI tools, software, and implementation
This is good support if you are new to AI and digital transformation and want to get started quickly.
Related link: How AI and digital transformation applies to my organisation
Is there a clear pathway of supports for my organisation as we progress with AI and digital transformation?
You can progress step-by-step as your AI maturity grows.
Start
Grow Digital
Digital for Business
Grow Digital Voucher - a grant from the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) that helps organisations adopt digital tools, including AI, to improve how the business operates and grows.
Experiment
European Digital Innovation Hubs
Digital Discovery Grant - a support from Enterprise Ireland that helps organisations explore how digital tools and AI could improve their business before making major investments.
Scale
Digital Process Innovation Grant
Digital Transition Fund
Advance
R&D supports
Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund - a government initiative designed to support large-scale, collaborative research and innovation projects in deep tech or disruptive technologies.
What funding is available to help my organisation implement AI and digital transformation solutions?
For actual deployment:
Grow Digital Voucher – a small-scale AI implementation
Digital Process Innovation Grant – this is typically 50% funding and supports automation, AI integration, and process redesign.
What supports are available if my organisation wants to scale AI and digital transformation across the business?
For more advanced transformation:
Business Expansion Grant
- up to €150,000 (typically 50% funding)
Digital Transition Fund
- national fund supporting AI, cloud, cybersecurity
- 50–80% co-funding
Best for larger, organisation-wide digital transformation.
How can my organisation test AI and digital transformation before making an investment?
You can access 'test before invest' supports through:
European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)
- hands-on AI trials
- access to experts and facilities
- often free or heavily subsidised
Digital Discovery Grant (via Enterprise Ireland)
- covers up to 80% of costs (max €5k)
- helps explore AI opportunities
Best for reducing risk and identifying real use cases.
Can my organisation collaborate with universities or AI and digital transformation experts to develop solutions ?
Yes, through:
Innovation Vouchers (Enterprise Ireland)
- partner with research institutions
- develop AI prototypes or data projects
European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)
- direct access to AI specialists and research centres
- ideal for building more advanced or customised AI solutions
Are there structured AI and digital transformation programmes or accelerators that my organisation can join?
Yes:
AI Accelerator Programmes (Enterprise Ireland-supported)
- short, intensive programmes (for example, 4-6 weeks)
- focus on practical AI deployment
Great for leadership teams and fast-tracking adoption.
What support exists for more advanced or innovative AI and Digital Transformation projects?
For high-ambition projects:
Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF)
- large-scale funding
- often requires collaboration (consortia)
Suitable for cutting-edge or sector-leading innovation.
Are these AI and digital transformation supports relevant to my organisation’s sector?
Yes — most are:
- sector-agnostic
- focused on productivity, competitiveness, and growth
- particularly relevant for:
- manufacturing
- services
- retail
- professional services
Related link: How AI and digital transformation applies to my organisation