Research Ireland: Cyber SecurityInnovation Challenge 2026

This challenge funds interdisciplinary research teams developing new approaches to cybersecurity and national digital resilience. Its focus areas include cyber-threat detection and response, post-quantum cryptography, small-business cyber resilience, critical infrastructure protection and disruptive ideas addressing emerging cyber risks. Funding is phased: teams initially receive support to validate concepts and build solutions, while stronger projects can progress to later stages and compete for a larger prize. The call is designed for teams based at eligible Irish research bodies, so a Nigeria-based applicant would need to establish an eligible Irish institutional partnership rather than apply independently from Nigeria.