Research Ireland-Defence Innovation Challenge 2026 launched to support resilience and preparedness through research

Third phase of successful partnership now open for applications to support innovative solutions to defence and security challenges

Research Ireland, in partnership with the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, has today launched the Research Ireland–Defence Innovation Challenge 2026, inviting researchers to develop innovative solutions to existing and emerging defence and security challenges of relevance to Ireland.

Building on a successful partnership between Research Ireland, the Department of Defence, and the Defence Forces, the programme brings researchers and Defence stakeholders together to address real-world challenges through collaborative research. This year’s programme will support projects spanning areas including emergency response, defence capability development, space-enabled security, and public preparedness for national emergencies, highlighting the role of effective communication, community engagement and public trust alongside technical innovation.

The programme supports interdisciplinary teams to work closely with Defence personnel throughout the innovation process, combining research excellence with operational insight to develop solutions with real-world impact. Researchers are encouraged to apply their expertise to challenges that require both technical innovation and a deeper understanding of societal needs and behaviours.

On launching the 2026 call, Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO, Research Ireland, said:

The Research Ireland-Defence Innovation Challenge demonstrates the value of partnership in addressing complex challenges. By bringing together researchers with the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, the programme is harnessing the power of research and innovation to develop practical solutions informed by real-world needs and experience. We look forward to supporting ambitious ideas that can enhance resilience, strengthen preparedness, and deliver broader societal and economic value for Ireland.

Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, said:

The Research Ireland Defence Innovation Challenge represents a valuable opportunity to support the development of cutting-edge solutions to strengthen the capabilities of the Defence Forces. By fostering collaboration between researchers and the Department of Defence and Defence Forces, the initiative is helping to translate innovative ideas into practical technologies with real operational value. The Challenge reflects the important role of research and innovation in addressing evolving national security and defence needs. We are proud to partner once again with Research Ireland, and we look forward to seeing the innovative ideas and collaborations that emerge from this latest Challenge.

The launch comes at a particularly significant moment as Ireland takes on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, a period during which resilience, preparedness, and security are expected to feature prominently across the European agenda. The programme highlights the important role that research and innovation can play in helping societies anticipate and respond to evolving challenges in an ever-changing world.

Challenge-based funding brings research teams and key stakeholders together to develop solutions to clearly defined problems. Through a phased funding model, successful teams will initially receive up to €220,000 to validate and refine their proposed solutions, while competing for the €1 million Prize Award to support further development and deployment.

Applications for the Research Ireland-Defence Innovation Challenge 2026 open on July 29^th 2026 and close on October 29^th 2026. Information webinars and engagement opportunities with Defence stakeholders will be available throughout the application period.

For more information, and to apply, please visit www.researchireland.ie/funding/defence