Explorer
explorer semiconductor commercialisation discovery programme 2027 is a collaboration led by Rinn Semiconductors and Tyndall, supported by ams-OSRAM and IPCEI Microelectronics and Communication Technology, Enterprise Ireland, Atlantic Bridge, NovaUCD, eg Technology, CONNECT Centre, MIDAS Ireland, I-C3 and Research Ireland.
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.
Applications are now open for 2027 programme, apply now.
If you have any questions about the explorer programme, don’t hesitate to reach out to email us.
About
a promising technology is only the beginning! For commercialisation, you need to think about – Who needs it? What problem does it solve? What makes it different? Could it become a product, service or business? explorer helps you find the answers!
explorer is a nation-wide, three-month semiconductor commercialisation discovery programme combining training, mentorship and industry engagement to help research teams explore the commercial potential of their technologies.
What will you gain?
- Idea validation – Validated the commercial opportunity with direct input from potential customers/ end-users.
- Funding pathway – Clear path to secure funding to advance your technology Spin-Out.
- Commercial mentors – Established a network of commercial mentors and potential partners to guide you in the next steps.
- Product development roadmap – A clear roadmap of the product and its specifications based on the market need.
Aims and Benefits
Explorer is a three-month national pre-commercialisation programme combining training, mentorship and industry engagement for research teams working on semiconductor and semiconductor-enabled technologies.
1. Build a commercial mindset: Help researchers think beyond the technology and understand what makes research commercially relevant.
2. Develop entrepreneurial and industry-facing skills: Strengthen communication, customer engagement, teamwork and the ability to articulate a technology’s value.
3. Prepare for the commercialisation journey: Equip teams to make informed decisions about further validation, funding, development and potential spin-out pathways.
The attendees will benefit from:
- Tailored agenda for research commercialisation and entrepreneurship
- Both industry and academy partners
- Practical mentorship to better overcome the technical & commercial challenges
- Feedback on how to apply for a CF or FS grant, if applicable.
Who is eligible?
Research teams across the island of Ireland developing semiconductor technologies or semiconductor-enabled applications who want to investigate the commercial potential of their technology.
Explorer is designed for early-stage opportunities. You do not need to have established a company or committed to a commercialisation fund or spin-out journey.
The ideal applicants will be teams of researchers, 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 Overview & Team Building | 04 February 2027 | In-person Cork |
| Workshop 2 | Intellectual Property & Commercialisation | 05 February 2027 | In-person Cork |
| Workshop 3 | Technology Product development | 11 February 2027 | Online |
| Workshop 4 | EI session, Customer Engagement | 04 March 2027 | In-person Dublin |
| Workshop 5 | Market Sizing | 11 March 2027 | Online |
| Workshop 6 | CommFund and Business Plan | 08 April 2027 | Online |
| Workshop 7 | Putting the Story Together | 15 April 2027 | Online |
| Show Case Day | Showcase Event | 06 May 2027 | In-person Dublin |
* 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.
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Ask Us a question
If you have any questions, please email us.