Challenge supports research addressing Ireland’s cyber resilience, preparedness and response to evolving digital threats.

Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, in partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), has launched the Cyber Security Innovation Challenge 2026. It will support research intended to strengthen Ireland’s cyber resilience and preparedness.

Proposals may address five areas: national cyber threat detection and response; the transition to post-quantum cryptography; small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) cyber resilience; critical national infrastructure; and disruptive ideas. The final area includes cross-cutting proposals concerning technical, operational, societal, economic, behavioural, legal or policy issues. Contributions from the social sciences, arts and humanities and interdisciplinary approaches are included within its scope.

Applications must be submitted by teams of two researchers who are academic staff members or contract researchers at an eligible research body and hold PhDs. Each team must include a Lead Applicant, responsible for management, research leadership and delivery, and a Co-lead Applicant with complementary technical or disciplinary expertise. An NCSC Liaison will subsequently work with successful teams, providing operational context and supporting stakeholder engagement, validation and solution development.

The first two phases provide up to €250,000 in total direct costs over 24 months. Eight teams will enter the six-month Concept phase, with awards of up to €50,000 for team formation, challenge and solution validation and impact pathway development. Teams progressing to the 18 month Seed phase may receive up to €200,000. A review after 12 months will select one Prize winner. The winner can enter a 24 month Prize phase with an award of up to €1 million for advanced prototyping, deployment planning and impact assessment.

Registration is open for an information webinar on 22 October 2026 (14:00).

Two Open Days in November 2026 (dates to be confirmed) will provide briefings from NCSC stakeholders on the challenge areas. Registration is mandatory. Applicants proposing Disruptive Ideas must first email their intention to apply by 30 November 2026 at 17:00.