Ten research teams are set to receive Grow Phase funding of over €6m by reaching the finals of the National Challenge Fund – a €65m competitive programme which aims to deliver solutions for major environmental and societal issues.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, on announcing the €6m funding, said the research teams are working on innovative, solution-focused projects that will have a real and positive impact across society, the economy, and the environment.

“They are exemplars of the positive impact research and innovation funding can deliver. I look forward to seeing these research teams progress their projects over the next year as they continue to support Ireland’s digital transformation and green transition,” he added.

The National Challenge Fund, a programme funded by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility is co-ordinated and administered by Research Ireland. It has supported 96 teams to identify problems related to Ireland’s Green Transition and Digital Transformation and collaborate directly with those stakeholders most affected by them to create real and tangible solutions.

The teams are now the finalists in this competitive funding model and will have the opportunity for additional funding in the final phase of the programme. Prize funding of €2 million will be on offer to the most competitive teams under each challenge process.

Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO of Research Ireland, said the announcement marks “a key milestone for the National Challenge Fund as the final 10 research teams receive Grow Phase funding becoming finalists in this fast-passed funding programme”.

EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, said that the research work undertaken by the teams will help “address some of the most pressing challenges for society and help ensure a just transition for all as Ireland and the EU continue our journey to a carbon neutral future”.