# International Joint Initiative for Research Harnessing Disruptive Technologies to Address Global Challenges

**Funder:** Research Ireland
**Budget:** Max €500,000 (direct costs)
**Deadline:** 3 November 2026 (Full proposal deadline)
**Duration:** Up to 3 years
**Consortium:** Required — minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states
**Application:** 2-stage: pre-proposal → full proposal
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** IE
**Official call:** https://www.researchireland.ie/funding/global-challenges/
**Last verified:** 19 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

International, interdisciplinary programme supporting transformative research harnessing disruptive technologies to address global challenges and accelerate SDG progress. Independent investigator-led; international consortium required.

## Summary

Research Ireland's International Joint Initiative funds transformative research using disruptive technologies to tackle global challenges and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with grants up to €500,000 over three years. The call is open to independent investigators and requires a consortium of at least three entities from three different EU member states, with Irish applicants based at Irish institutions. This is a competitive programme emphasising interdisciplinary innovation and international collaboration.

## Who should apply

- Independent investigators ready to lead transformative research
- Researchers based at Irish institutions (Irish applicants only)
- Teams able to assemble a consortium of at least 3 entities from 3 different EU member states
- Projects leveraging disruptive technologies to advance UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Interdisciplinary teams bridging technology and global challenge domains

## Key dates

- Full application deadline: 3 November 2026
- Consortium requirement: minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states
- Project duration: up to 3 years

## Tips for applicants

- Consortium assembly is non-negotiable and gating, secure partner letters from three different EU countries early; ad hoc consortia score poorly.
- Disruptive technology must be central to your approach, not peripheral; explain explicitly how it enables a fundamentally new solution to the global challenge.
- Link your project directly to one or more UN SDGs in the proposal narrative; the funder assesses impact against these explicitly.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the maximum budget for a Research Ireland International Joint Initiative project?

Up to €500,000 in direct costs for a project lasting up to three years.

### Who can apply to the Research Ireland International Joint Initiative?

Independent investigators based at Irish institutions; applicants must assemble a consortium of at least three entities from three different EU member states.

### Is the consortium requirement flexible?

No; a minimum of three entities from three different EU member states is mandatory for eligibility.

### What kinds of technology does this call fund?

Research using disruptive technologies to address global challenges and advance UN Sustainable Development Goals; the technology must be transformative to your approach.

### When is the deadline for the Research Ireland International Joint Initiative?

3 November 2026 is the full application deadline.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/research-ireland-international-joint-initiative-for-research-harnes-2026-11) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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