Over 1,000 firms have used Government-sponsored "innovation vouchers" to get technical help from college researchers to help them grow their business, Minister for Innovation Conor Lenihan announced today.
The vouchers - which are worth €5,000 - enable small firms to access skills, knowledge and specialist facilities in research institutions.
A number of colleges around the country have also availed of the scheme.
Waterford Institute of Technology has completed 144 innovation voucher projects since the initiative was launched three years ago.
The Institute of Technology Carlow has completed 70 projects, University College Cork has completed 68 projects, Athlone Institute of Technology has completed 65 projects and Cork Institute of Technology has completed 58 projects.
Marking the milestone at an event at Enterprise Ireland's headquarters in Dublin this morning, Mr Lenihan said the vouchers are an important early bridge between firms and academic researchers.
"The scheme has helped small firms to explore how they can play their part in building the knowledge economy," he said.
"The vouchers have brought firms and researchers together in finding innovative ways to overcome challenges and give products a more competitive and commercial edge for the marketplace," he added.
Enterprise Ireland administers the scheme on behalf of the Government.
