IVCA says Budget 2026 will boost Ireland as centre for cutting edge R&D

Caroline Gaynor, chairperson, Irish Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. Picture: Fennell Photography

Sarah-Jane Larkin, director general, Irish Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. Picture: Fennell Photography.

News Release

IVCA says Budget 2026 will boost Ireland as centre for cutting edge R&D

Dublin; Tuesday, 7th October, 2025: The Irish Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (IVCA) has welcomed Budget 2026 and says that the R&D tax credit proposals in particular will “boost Ireland’s competitiveness as a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation”.

The association also welcomed the increase in funding for Enterprise Ireland to help scaling companies, and the commitment to the development of an R&D Compass as well as the revisions to stamp duty for listed companies.

“By making it easier and more attractive for businesses of all sizes to invest in R&D, the Government is ensuring that Ireland remains at the forefront of global innovation and continues to attract world-class talent and ideas,” commented Caroline Gaynor, chairperson, IVCA.

“This focus on investment signals the Government’s continued commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, encouraging investment and backing scaling Irish companies,” added the IVCA chair. “It represents a powerful vote of confidence in the resilience and ambition of the Irish business community.”

Sarah-Jane Larkin, director general, IVCA said that the Budget is pro-business, pro-investment, and pro-innovation.

“The changes to the R&D tax credit in particular are forward-looking, encouraging more companies to take bold steps in research and development, while the measures to encourage private investment will help ensure that our economy continues to thrive in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.”

She added that the IVCA looked forward to working with stakeholders, industry, and government to maximise the opportunities arising from Budget 2026 and to ensure that these measures translate into long-lasting benefits for Ireland’s economy, workforce, and society.

Press queries to:

Sarah-Jane Larkin, director general, IVCA, Email: sjlarkin@ivca.ie;

Mob: 087 320 9209 or

Ronnie Simpson, Simpson Consulting, Email: ronnie@simpsonconsulting.ie;

Mob: 086 855 9410

About the Irish Venture Capital Association

The Irish Venture Capital Association, which marks its 40^th anniversary this year, is the representative organisation for venture capital and private equity firms in Ireland.

An independent DCU report found that Irish venture capital and private equity supported the state’s investment through its agencies’ Enterprise Ireland and Irish Strategic Investment Fund and geared up investment through the Seed & Venture Capital Programme by almost 16 times.

The study estimates that employment numbers in venture and private equity backed firms grow by an average of 27%, compared to an overall increase in employment in the economy of just over 3% per annum over a similar time period.