Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2023
264. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the Governmental or European funding initiatives that are available for digital healthcare companies that provide personalised solutions for the intervention of chronic health conditions, and for management of chronic disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6266/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment and European funding available for digital healthcare companies is not typically organised specifically for personalised care for intervention of chronic conditions.
For instance, in Ireland the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), through Enterprise Ireland (EI), provides a range of Research, Development and Innovation supports and grants, such as Innovation Vouchers, Innovation Partnerships and R&D Grants, which are open to application from companies, including digital healthcare companies that provide personalised solutions for the intervention of chronic health conditions, and for management of chronic disease.
The EI Commercialisation Fund supports post-graduate researchers within the Irish research system to commercialise their research by developing their technology whilst in parallel validating the commercial opportunity. The Commercialisation Fund grant can range from €200,000 to €600,000 over a one- or two-year period, depending on the development stage of a project.
In addition, the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) drives collaboration between Ireland’s world-class research base and industry as well as facilitating enterprises to compete directly for funding in support of the development and adoption of these technologies. The fund is open to enterprises or research organisations that are involved in cutting-edge disruptive innovation including in the Life Sciences and MedTech sectors.
Finally, the Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) which is supported by my Department, drives collaboration between the health services, innovators and industry, to accelerate the delivery of new healthcare technologies, products and services. As part of its work programme , the HIHI runs an Open Call to select the best market-ready products or services to pilot in an Irish healthcare setting. In 2022 11 winning companies were selected. While there is no monetary grant involved, HIHI facilitates access to the health system for execution of the pilot project along with other supports to the winning companies.
Further details of all available funding and supports can be found on the Enterprise Ireland website at www.enterprise-ireland.com
