Research Ireland Cyber Security Innovation Challenge 2026

The Research Ireland-Cyber Security Innovation Challenge 2026, developed in partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), seeks to support innovative research that strengthens Ireland's cyber resilience and preparedness in the face of evolving digital threats.

The programme will fund projects addressing priority cybersecurity challenges, including cyber threat detection and response, post-quantum cryptography, SME cyber resilience, the protection of critical national infrastructure, and disruptive ideas that explore emerging cyber risks and opportunities.

The Challenge is designed to bring together researchers from across disciplines to develop new knowledge, technologies, approaches and capabilities that can contribute to a more secure and resilient digital future. It will also support collaboration and knowledge exchange between the Irish research community, the NCSC and other stakeholders across the cybersecurity ecosystem. 

• Table of Content
• About Research Ireland
• Research Ireland Cyber Security Innovation Challenge Contest
• Aim and Benefits of Research Ireland Cyber Security Innovation Challenge Contest
• Requirements for Research Ireland Cyber Security Innovation Challenge Contest Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Research Ireland Cyber Security Innovation Challenge Contest

Aim and Benefits of Research Ireland Cyber Security Innovation Challenge Contest

• Funding will be available to interdisciplinary research teams based in eligible research bodies in Ireland.
• Successful teams will initially receive up to €250,000 to develop and validate their ideas through a phased innovation process.
• Following evaluation, a prize award of €1 million will be available to the team demonstrating the greatest potential to deliver transformative impact, enabling further solution development and progression towards real-world application.

Requirements for Research Ireland Cyber Security Innovation Challenge Contest Qualification

The Research Ireland-Cyber Security Innovation Challenge is intended to support interdisciplinary and collaborative research teams, including from both STEM and AHSS disciplines, committed to developing transformative and sustainable solutions aligned with the challenge areas outlined in the Call Document. Applications to the programme will be accepted from applicant teams comprising two researchers who are either members of academic staff or contract researchers at an Eligible Research Body and hold a PhD. Further details on eligibility criteria are available in the Call Document.

Applications to the Research Ireland-Cyber Security Innovation Challenge must identify a core applicant/leadership team comprising:

• Team Lead (Lead Applicant) will have responsibility for managing the activities of the team, will provide research leadership and have overall responsibility for delivery of research programme objectives.
• Team Co-Lead (Co-lead Applicant) will provide leadership as part of the research programme and should bring complementary technical/disciplinary expertise to that of the Team Lead.

Following successful application, am NCSC Liaison will be assigned to work with the team lead and co-lead. The NCSC Liaison will be an integral part of the team and will provide insights, expertise and operational context to support the team in understanding and validating the challenge, engaging with stakeholders, and developing and testing their proposed solution.

Successful teams will have an opportunity to build a broader challenge team as the development of their solution(s) require.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

• Applications must be submitted through Research Ireland’s Grants Management System SESAME.
• Applicants must use the templates provided and adhere to all guidelines provided in the Call Document.
• The Team Lead and Team Co-Lead must all use the CV Template provided and adhere to Narrative CV Guidelines.

Downloads:

• Programme Document
• Application form
• Applicant/Co-applicant CV template
• References template
• SESAME Guide

Contact: [email protected]

For more information, kindly visit Research Ireland webpage.