TU Dublin Innovation Secures First Enterprise Ireland Proof‑of‑Concept Award – A Guide to Funding and Market Validation

TU Dublin Innovation Secures First Enterprise Ireland Proof‑of‑Concept Award – A Guide to Funding and Market Validation

On 21 November 2025, TU Dublin Innovation marked a historic milestone: Dr Joseph Mohan, Senior Research Fellow at CREST Technology Gateway, received the inaugural Enterprise Ireland Proof‑of‑Concept (POC) award for his VISTA project. This achievement not only showcases the university’s growing impact on industry‑ready technology, but also illustrates how researchers and innovators can navigate a new funding track that bridges early‑stage research and commercial launch.

Understanding Enterprise Ireland Proof‑of‑Concept Funding

Enterprise Ireland’s Proof‑of‑Concept program is designed to slot between early feasibility studies and full‑scale Commercialisation funding. It offers a €99 000 grant to test a technology in real industry conditions, validate market demand, and demonstrate competitive performance. The POC award is ideal for projects at:
• Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 5–6, where component validation has begun
• In a position where investors demand more evidence before committing capital
• Early stages of a commercial strategy that are not yet ready for a full Commercialisation grant

What the POC Award Covers

• Field trials with partner companies
• Market validation studies, including customer interviews and pilots
• Comparative performance testing against existing solutions
• Certification or compliance work if needed for market entry

Eligibility and Application Timeline

Projects must demonstrate proven technical feasibility and clear economic relevance to the Irish economy. The application window runs quarterly; quick submissions are encouraged because the review pipeline is efficient. Key eligibility steps include:

  1. Secure a letter of intent from an Irish industry partner.
  2. Provide a concise overview of the problem space and potential market.
  3. Show evidence of prior technology validation, preferably at TRL 5.
  4. Prepare a realistic budget that fits well within the €99 000 ceiling.

Dr Joseph Mohan’s VISTA Project – A Case Study

Dr Mohan’s VISTA project tackles a universal problem: corrosion. Existing steel protection methods—grit‑blasting and subsequent oxide layers—inefficiently remove necessary oxides and leave surfaces prone to re‑corrosion. The VISTA team introduced a novel dry chemical surface modification that blends pre‑treatment material into the blast media, simultaneously removing oxides and depositing a protective coating.

Project Overview

• Target metals: structural steel, stainless steel, titanium, aluminium alloys
• Incremental cost reduction: fewer treatment steps, lower chemical waste
• Expected market: construction, aerospace, maritime, automotive sectors

Challenges Overcome

Initially, the VISTA team faced a typical “chicken‑and‑egg” dilemma. Investors demanded substantial market data before funding, yet the technology was not yet a full‑scale prototype. Dr Mohan recognized that the POC window was uniquely positioned to fill this gap, offering a quick turn‑around yet robust evidence pipeline.

Key Outcomes and Validation Steps

• Demonstrated TRL 5 performance on steel and stainless steel
• Confirmed commercial viability with letters of support from three industry partners
• Validated the coating’s durability and adhesion under high‑stress environments
• Created a basis to secure the next phase of commercialisation funding

Practical Steps for Researchers and Innovators

Whether you are a PhD student, senior researcher, or entrepreneur, the following steps can streamline your journey toward a POC or industrial partnership.

Early Engagement with the Innovation Office

Reaching out to TU Dublin’s Innovation Office—through workshops, one‑to‑one mentoring, or online portals—provides:

  • In‐depth guidance on funding mechanisms
  • Market research support and industry linkages
  • Blueprints for drafting regulatory or compliance plans

Preparing Market Research

Invest time in validating the market need. Key tactics include:

  • Interview potential customers to gauge pain points and acceptance thresholds
  • Map the competitive landscape and identify gaps your solution fills
  • Quantify the economic impact, e.g., potential avoidance of USD 2.5 trillion in corrosion costs

Technical Readiness Level (TRL) Assessment

Mapping your technology to the TRL framework clarifies how far you are from commercial availability. A TRL 5 state—component validation in a relevant environment—signals readiness for POC funding. Documenting this level with lab data, pilot results, or third‑party certifications strengthens your application.

Application Process Tips

• Keep the proposal concise—most reviewers skim quickly.
• Use clear, factual language; avoid buzzwords.
• Highlight tangible evidence of market interest.
• Provide a realistic budget that aligns with funding constraints.

Addressing Common Pitfalls

Market Gaps

Many teams pivot after realizing a market doesn’t exist. Mitigate this by integrating industry partners early, conducting focus groups, and employing a lean‑startup validation approach before securing deeper funding.

Funding Competitiveness

The POC windows are competitive. Differentiate by demonstrating:

  • Clear intellectual property ownership and protection plans
  • Strategic alignment with national economic priorities
  • High potential return on investment (ROI) for industry players.

Next‑Stage Funding and Commercialisation Pathways

Leveraging POC Success for Commercialisation Fund

Once market validation and performance benchmarks are achieved, the team can apply for a full Commercialisation grant. The key is to translate proof‑of‑concept data into a compelling business plan that showcases scalability and revenue potential.

Seeking Venture Capital and Spin‑Out Opportunities

With POC data in hand, entrepreneurs can pitch to venture capitalists who prefer evidence-backed prototypes. The existence of a spin‑out model at TU Dublin—supported by the University‑Industry collaboration framework—provides a structured path for proprietary technology commercialization.

Getting Started – Resources and Contacts

TU Dublin Innovation Office

Email: [email protected]
Website: TU Dublin Innovation

Enterprise Ireland Resources

Explore the Enterprise Ireland Proof‑of‑Concept page for application guidelines, deadlines, and success stories.

Information Sessions and Workshops

Stay updated on upcoming seminars via the TU Dublin Innovation website. These sessions offer networking opportunities with industry partners and funding bodies.

Take the Next Step in Irish Innovation

Whether you’re a researcher ready to test a breakthrough, a startup seeking industry validation, or a partner looking for cutting‑edge solutions, the first POC award demonstrates the possibilities. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about the Enterprise Ireland pathway and how TU Dublin can support your innovation journey.

Ready to submit your application? Contact our Innovation Office today to plan the next stage of development and secure the backing that turns ideas into market‑ready products. Explore our related articles for further insights into funding strategies and commercialization best practices.