Innovate For Ireland Information

Innovate for Ireland (I4I) is a unique global talent development programme that will be the most transformational innovation and sustainability initiative undertaken in Ireland in a generation. Welcoming its first intake of “iScholars” in Autumn 2024, I4I will be a distinguishing sovereign calling card for Ireland: Global solutions: The brightest PhD minds of the next generation will form multi-disciplinary teams at higher education institutions across Ireland, led by our greatest academics. Their research will deliver solutions to global challenges, positioning Ireland as a leading hub for innovation and sustainability. Scale and ambition: Globally promoted with the support of the Irish government and corporate partners, I4I will attract 1,200 exceptional iScholars through stipends benchmarked against leading international scholarship programmes. iScholars will be selected based on academic excellence and entrepreneurial pedigree. Unique partnership model: I4I will be co-financed by corporate partners and Irish government funding. Alongside their research, iScholars will be equipped to be the next generation’s leading innovators through a world-leading entrepreneurship programme. iScholars will engage with Irish society through a unique ecosystem of mentor networks, work placements, community activities and an immersive cultural programme. A launch fund of €58m has been raised through the support of the Irish government, ESB, Kingspan, Accenture and our two founding partners Avolon and AIB. Additional corporate partners are sought who share our ambition to place Ireland at the epicentre of global sustainability innovation. Partners will inform our vision, shape our research agenda, and support us in attracting the next generation’s top talent to Ireland. I4I was developed by former Avolon CEO Dómhnal Slattery, arising from 'Project i' , Avolon research that analyses how to position Ireland at the forefront of global start-up innovation.