THE EARTH'S
BIGGEST
CHALLENGES
Need the world’s
brightest minds
Global Talent Development Programme
Innovate for Ireland is a global scholarship programme that unites the world’s smartest minds, bravest companies, and a future-facing nation to tackle the world’s biggest challenges for a better tomorrow. Unique amongst international scholarship programmes, Innovate for Ireland enables advanced research focused upon sustainability and innovation and empowers entrepreneurship.
Innovate for Ireland is a “Flagship Initiative” of the Irish Government’s International Talent and Innovation Strategy, Global Citizens 2030
Turning World-Class Research Into Real-World Impact
iScholars
Sustainability Themes
Year Initiative
Co-Funding Model
50
:50
"Imagine our island leading the world in transformational change, the best and brightest of minds, a generation of iScholars, coming to Ireland to innovate. Let this be our legacy."
"This government has a deep commitment to research and innovation and to addressing global sustainability. We need more top-class researchers and innovators to make Ireland a leader in overcoming the grand challenges of our times.That is what this programme Innovate for Ireland will achieve. It will ensure the best minds are advancing solutions here in Ireland and in so doing enhance our talent offering and our dynamic innovation ecosystem. I welcome the private sectors support for this initiative."
"At a time when countries begin to look inward, I hope this strategy sends a clear message of Ireland’s commitment to continue to be a global, diverse society and for some a beacon of hope and educational opportunity.We want to attract the best generation of international learners, researchers and innovators to Ireland.
That brings significant benefits for our economy but also our society. It helps us address the skills needs we have but also helps open opportunities through diversifying our education communities."
"Innovation is a critical driver of any progressive society and economy. Advanced research into critical sustainability topics can inform how we improve life on our planet, not just for this generation, but for generations to come. As a founding partner, AIB is delighted to continue our investment in the creation of an Innovate for Ireland Climate Mitigation Hub, empowering the talent of tomorrow to create a sustainable future for us all."
"It’s fantastic to see the energy and ambition that is now bringing Innovate for Ireland to life. We have a strong commitment to encourage innovation that will contribute meaningfully to aviation’s decarbonisation. The programme that we are funding will support pioneering research by Dublin City University and Trinity College Dublin scholars investigating technologies to decarbonise aviation."
Programme Experience
The iScholars won’t just research innovation — they’ll lead it. At the heart of the programme is a commitment to developing entrepreneurial thinkers who turn knowledge into action.
PhD Research Programme
iScholars will undertake world-class research, at universities across Ireland, that addresses real-world challenges and aligns with global sustainability goals.
Entrepreneurial, Leadership & Innovation Programme
iScholars will participate in a multi-year development programme to master a set of core entrepreneurial, leadership and innovation skills and competencies, and build the mindset to become catalysts for growth.
Innovation Ecosystem
iScholars will enjoy access to an extensive range of business and innovation networks, opportunities to engage with leaders and mentors, participate in industry events and consultation groups to bring their research insights into the real-world.
Meet The iScholars
iScholars will become the sustainability innovation leaders of tomorrow. iScholars will participate in a rigorous and exciting immersion into the worlds of entrepreneurship and innovation, in parallel to their doctoral research.

Adam Dunne
MTU
Theme: Sustainable Food and Nutrition Solutions

Ajai Sankar
UCD
Theme: Advanced green manufacturing - workplace of the future

Ben Bond
RCSI
Theme: Impact of emerging digital technologies on human experiences

Blánaid Fogarty
SETU
Theme: Clean tech, energy solutions and energy resilience

Fateme Saaditanavaz
UCD
Theme: Sustainable food and nutrition solutions

Gavin Chapman
DCU
Theme: Advanced green manufacturing - workplace of the future

Jennifer Hynes
RCSI
Theme: New models of healthcare

Louise Frost
UCC
Theme: New models of healthcare

Maisie McDavid
DCU
Theme: Sustainable water, land use and natural resources management

Michael Hananta Utomo
UCD
Theme: Green materials and the circular economy

Patrick Perrem
TCD
Theme: New models of healthcare