GroSafe Secures €1 Million to Strengthen Child Safeguarding in Ireland
In December 2025, TU Dublin’s GroSafe project received a €1 million award from the National Challenge Fund – OurTech, a Research Ireland initiative backed by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. The funding will accelerate the rollout of a technology‑enabled platform that teaches children to recognise grooming, offers trauma‑informed support, and provides a safe, anonymous reporting channel.
With this investment, GroSafe will move from prototype to full deployment across schools, youth services and community settings in Ireland over the next two years. The project is led by Dr Christina Thorpe and Dr Matt Bowden of TU Dublin, in partnership with the Irish Society for the Protection of Children (ISPCC).
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Funding Details and Strategic Impact
National Challenge Fund and EU Support
The National Challenge Fund – OurTech is designed to reward high‑impact research that addresses national priorities. GroSafe’s focus on online safety for children aligns with the EU’s objectives to protect vulnerable populations and strengthen digital resilience.
Key Objectives for the Next Two Years
- Finalize platform development and ensure compliance with data protection standards.
- Prepare the system for integration into educational curricula and community programs.
- Run pilot programmes in selected schools and youth centres to gather real‑world feedback.
- Establish international partnerships to extend GroSafe’s reach beyond Ireland.
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GroSafe’s Core Features
Inform – Gamified Learning
Children engage with an interactive game that illustrates common grooming tactics. The game uses scenario‑based learning to help users identify warning signs and practice safe responses.
Support – AI‑Powered Guidance
An AI‑driven chatbot offers trauma‑informed advice and coping strategies. The tool is designed to be accessible, empathetic, and responsive to the emotional needs of young users.
Report – Anonymous Sharing
Users can submit anonymous reports of suspicious behaviour. The system aggregates anonymised data to inform continuous improvement and to provide insights to safeguarding professionals.
Explore our related articles for further reading on child safeguarding innovations.
Community Involvement and Future Plans
Co‑Creation with Young People
Over 600 young people contributed to the design of the platform, ensuring that the content resonates with the target demographic and addresses real‑world concerns.
Pilot Programs and International Partnerships
GroSafe will launch pilot programmes in schools across Ireland, gathering data to refine the platform. The team is also negotiating collaborations with organisations in the UK, Canada, and Australia to adapt the solution for different cultural contexts.
GroSafe’s €1 million award marks a significant step forward in protecting children and young people from grooming. By combining research, community insight, and technology, TU Dublin is building a living system that will evolve with emerging threats and continue to safeguard the next generation.