Explorer
Explorer is a deep-tech pre-commercialisation programme led by IPIC, the Research Ireland Centre for Photonics (formerly SFI), with generous support from ams OSRAM. This tailored training and mentorship initiative is open to researchers from all universities across the island of Ireland who are developing deep-tech solutions and wish to assess the commercial potential of their innovations.
Through a combination of technical and commercial mentorship, the programme guides participants in understanding the process of technology commercialisation. A key outcome is to help teams validate their commercial potential and prepare strong applications for Enterprise Ireland’s Commercialisation Fund—including the Proof of Concept Fund, Feasibility Study Grant, and Commercialisation Fund Award, or Research Ireland’s ARC hub commercialisation funding. These supports provide a clear pathway for developing viable products, services, and start-ups.
Application is now open for 2026 programme, click here to apply.
If you have any questions about the explorer programme, don’t hesitate to reach out [email protected].
About
Explorer pre-commercialisation programme 2025 is a collaboration led by IPIC, the Research Ireland Centre for photonics (formerly SFI), with Tyndall National Institute, ams- Osram, CONNECT, (the Research Ireland Centre for Future Networks and Communications), with support of Enterprise Ireland, Atlantic Bridge, IPCEI Microelectronics and Communication Technologies, Nova UCD, eg technology, MIDAS Ireland and Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland.
Aims and Benefits
Explorer pre-commercialisation programme is a 3-month training and mentorship course for a cohort of 8-10 teams in deep-tech areas. It will nurture high-potential teams & technology-holders on their path:
- to start the spin-off journey
- to learn about commercialisation of the technology
- to develop industrial and entrepreneurial soft skills
The attendees will benefit from:
- Tailored agenda for deep-tech entrepreneurship
- Both industry and academy partners
- Practical mentorship to better overcome the technical & business issues
- Feedback on how to apply for a CF or FS grant, if applicable.
What are we looking for
If you believe you have an idea in deep-tech sectors, that have a potential to be commercialised, join the explorer programme and explore the initial steps you need to take on your journey.
Who is eligibile?
We are inviting research teams working in deep tech sectors such as advanced materials, photonics, semiconductors, biotechnology, nanotechnology, robotics, electronics, and other related areas.
The ideal applicants will be teams of 2 to 4 people, residing on the island of Ireland, with an early-stage idea that has undergone initial technology development.
Shortlisted teams will be invited for a brief interview in December. Following this process, 8 to 10 teams will be selected to participate in a 3-month programme of workshops and mentorship sessions.
Timeline
The programme starts in the first week of February and concludes in the first week of May.
| Workshop 1 | Explorer LaunchPad Overview & Team Building | 05 February 2026 |
| Workshop 2 | Big Picture, IP and Competitive Landscape | 06 February 2026 |
| Workshop 3 | Technology Enabled Product Development | 12 February 2026 |
| Workshop 4 | Customer Engagement for Tech Product | 05 March 2026 |
| Workshop 5 | Market Development for Early Stage Deep-Tech Startups | 12 March 2026 |
| Workshop 6 | Technology Commercialisation Plan | 09 April 2026 |
| Workshop 7 | Putting the Story Together & Step to Commercialisation Fund | 16 April 2026 |
| Show Case Day | Showcase Day – Present the Outcomes to the Audience | 07 May 2026 |
* Most sessions will be conducted online, but there will be two in-person sessions, as well as the showcase event.
* The mentorship sessions and feedback meetings will be held in between the workshops on a weekly/biweekly basis.
Download Brochure
https://www.tyndall.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/explorer-2026-brochure.pdf
Download the brochure here to learn more about the programme.
Ask Us a question
If you have any questions, please email us.