Twelve Irish SMEs will join a fully funded innovation programme from IRDG Innovation Skillnet, designed to equip senior leaders with practical tools and peer support to drive growth. Running from October to December 2025, the hybrid programme includes workshops, online masterclasses, and a tailored Innovation Diagnostic Report with a 90-day execution plan.3
Twelve small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland are set to benefit from a new expert-led programme from the IRDG Innovation Skillnet, designed to sharpen innovation capabilities and drive tangible business growth.
The IRDG Innovation Skillnet aims to elevate the technical education, skills, and knowledge related to innovation across industry. This will be achieved by delivering world-class training for current and future innovation leaders, promoting the adoption of ISO innovation management frameworks, and addressing both industry-specific and general non-technical innovation competencies.
Industry Research and Development Group (IRDG) is a not-for-profit, business‑led innovation network that has been driving industry innovation in Ireland since 1992.
It supports innovation across a wide range of sectors, from software, medtech, and pharmaceuticals to agriculture, engineering, and financial services, representing both indigenous SMEs and multinational enterprises.
IRDG provides:
Launched by the Industry Research and Development Group (IRDG) in collaboration with Skillnet Ireland, this hands-on programme equips senior SME leaders with the tools, frameworks, and peer-to-peer support needed to strengthen innovation strategies and boost competitiveness.
Part of Skillnet Ireland’s broader Pathway to Innovate initiative, the programme aims to support regional SMEs in turning innovation into measurable outcomes and sustainable business success.
Eoin McDonnell, Head of Strategic Programmes at Skillnet Ireland, stated:
“Skillnet Ireland’s Pathway to Innovate accelerates innovation and entrepreneurial thinking through business-led skills programmes. IRDG Innovation Skillnet brings its proven expertise in innovation leadership to SMEs.”
Dermot Casey, CEO of IRDG, added:
“In today’s challenging economic environment, Irish SMEs need practical, results-oriented solutions to stay competitive. Through our collaboration with Skillnet Ireland, this pioneering programme provides business leaders with a clear strategic roadmap, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and hands-on guidance to convert innovation into real growth for Irish enterprises.”
The programme will involve 12 selected SMEs, each nominating two senior leaders, for a hybrid delivery model that combines in-person and online learning.
In-person workshops will be held at the Engine Hub in Limerick
Online masterclasses will support ongoing development between sessions
Each participating business will receive:
A tailored Innovation Diagnostic Report and Roadmap
Strengthened leadership capabilities focused on innovation
A 90-day execution plan linked to real business projects
The programme is fully funded for the selected SMEs and runs from October to December 2025.
The subjects that the programme covers include:
Programme Start: Early October 2025
Application Deadline: 24th September 2025
Delivery Format:
2-day in-person diagnostic workshop
Online masterclasses
2 additional in-person days mid-programme
Final showcase event in December
The programme is ideal for ambitious SMEs based in Ireland seeking to enhance their innovation capabilities and drive strategic growth through structured, expert-led support.
Places are limited, and early applications are strongly encouraged.
The IRDG Innovation Skillnet programme represents a strategic opportunity for Irish SMEs to embed innovation into the core of their business operations. By combining expert guidance, peer learning, and practical tools like the Innovation Diagnostic Report and 90-day execution plan, the initiative empowers senior leaders to drive meaningful change within their organisations.
With full funding provided and only 12 places available, the programme offers high-impact support to those ready to accelerate growth and stay competitive in an evolving economic landscape. For SMEs looking to transform ideas into results, this programme is a clear pathway to long-term success.
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