Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

30. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for the artificial intelligence adoption accelerator available through Enterprise Ireland digital discovery grant to be expanded from the current specific criteria (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62012/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Digital Discovery Grant is an Enterprise Ireland (EI) initiative to help Irish businesses start their digital and AI transformation journey. The grant provides up to 80% funding for projects, capped at €5,000 –€6,300, typically covering three to seven days of external consultancy at a maximum rate of €900 per day. Enterprise Ireland offers support to Irish-owned businesses in manufacturing or internationally traded services with ten plus employees, and EIs High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs).

One potential use of the grant is to support the costs of the AI Adoption Accelerator, the Galvia AI Programme which runs a five week AI Accelerator designed to help SMEs integrate AI solutions. Delivered in hybrid format, offering virtual and in-person workshops at Platform94 in Galway. The cost of the programme is €4,995, but EI covers 80% via the Digital Discovery Grant, reducing the cost significantly for eligible SMEs.

To further support SMEs, EI is enhancing its Innovation Voucher Scheme, doubling the available funding to €10,000. This increase will enable more businesses to invest in research and development, fostering a culture of innovation that is essential for long-term success. The agency, in conjunction with the Local Enterprise Offices, is also expanding the eligibility criteria for the Trading Online Voucher, now available to all sectors with up to fifty employees and doubling the grant to €5,000. This initiative is designed to encourage SMEs to embrace digital sales channels, enhancing their competitiveness in the global market. Moreover, the Digital for Business Consultancy Scheme will be extended to include all sectors with up to fifty employees, providing expert advice and support to help SMEs navigate the complexities of digital transformation.

The Local Enterprise Offices offer supports for businesses employing up to fifty people. The Digital for Business grant offers a 100% funded consultancy support for three days, which can include work on the applicability and use of AI for a business.

As part of the Digital Europe Programme, the European Commission and the Irish Government co-fund four European Digital Innovation Hubs - CeADAR, ENTIRE, FactoryXChange and Datat2Sustain were established in 2023 across the country to support the adoption of advanced digital technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, and High Performance Computing in SMEs and public sector organisations. The European Digital Innovation Hubs provide technical expertise, experimentation, and innovation services, fostering a culture of innovation and enabling new business models. Their training programmes build a digitally skilled workforce, empowering employees to drive digital transformation. CeADAR makes AI accessible through transformational support and training. ENTIRE and FactoryXChange enhance SMEs' competitiveness through digital technologies, improving business processes and production. Data2Sustain focuses on supporting SMEs to adopt sustainable practices, reducing environmental impact.