Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
305. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports in place to assist Irish businesses in using quantum computing to address enterprise opportunities and challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51184/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s National Quantum Strategy was published in 2023 by my Cabinet colleague and then Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD. It sets out a vision for the development of the quantum sector in Ireland, including enterprise opportunities and challenges. In particular it focuses the efforts of Ireland’s quantum technologies community on areas of emerging growth in quantum technologies where Ireland can achieve a competitive advantage. My officials will continue to work with counterparts in that Department to advance this agenda.
The primary quantum specific vehicle is the Rinn Quantum, supported by Research Ireland, recently announced by Minister James Lawless as part of a new suite of Research Centres. Rinn Quantum aims to establish Ireland as a global leader in quantum science. The Centre will bridge fundamental research and real-world applications, addressing challenges in secure communication, future materials, and sustainable quantum technologies. Through strong academic–industry partnerships and alignment with national and EU strategies, Rinn Quantum will accelerate innovation, contribute to building Ireland’s quantum workforce, and foster public engagement.
My Department and the agencies under its aegis operate a comprehensive suite of enterprise programmes and supports delivered through DETE, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to foster innovation-led growth in the enterprise sector, including those operating in the quantum field.
Through these schemes, firms can access the necessary resources, expertise and infrastructure needed to adopt digital technologies, reducing innovation risk and accelerating the development of new products and services – strengthening their overall resilience and competitiveness.
Examples of such schemes include:
R&D Grants: Both IDA and Enterprise Ireland provide grant supports for companies that are assessing the feasibility of, or actively developing novel or substantially improved products, services or processes to enhance their global competitiveness.
Innovation Partnerships Programme: This programme, open to both IDA and EI client companies offers grants up to 80% towards eligible costs to companies engaged in collaborative research projects with Irish Universities and Technological Universities.
Commercialisation Fund: Enterprise Ireland’s Commercialisation Fund focuses on creatingdeep tech start-up companies originating from research and innovation activities withinHigher Education Institutions and Research Performing Organisations. The Fund also provides grants for feasibility studies up to €15K and proof of concept studies up to €100K further supporting the journey from research to market.
Finally, businesses developing innovative quantum computing technologies with enterprise and research partners can also seek funding through the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund. To date, my Department has awarded over €21 million in two projects utilising quantum technology.
This includes the QCoIr project, which aims to develop a platform to integrate and optimise different quantum computing technologies, and the QUBIC project, which is creating quantum solutions for sectors such as energy, climate, advanced materials, and healthcare. These investments are helping to strengthen Ireland's capability in quantum technologies and support its position as a leader in this rapidly evolving field.
Earlier this month, I announced a further €40 million competitive call under DTIF which will open for applications in October this year, which also may serve to support companies in developing quantum technology in Ireland.
