More and more companies are tapping into Ireland’s Hosting Agreement Scheme to hire top-tier non-EU/EEA researchers. According to recent data from EURAXESS Ireland, the number of accredited businesses using this fast-track migration option has surged in the past three years, with 25 new companies signing up.

In total, 80 institutions — including universities and research-heavy organisations — are now authorised to utilise this scheme, which is entirely free and managed by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

What’s driving this trend? Take a closer look at companies like MBryonics Ltd. and ÉireComposites Teo, both of which are leading the charge. These firms have formed cutting-edge collaborations with Irish universities, particularly through projects funded by the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF). Their partnerships with the University of Galway’s Schools of Science and Engineering, and Business, are not only advancing adaptive manufacturing technologies but are also fostering innovation in the west of Ireland. Similarly, BioAtlantis Ltd. is forging partnerships across the globe — including with Irish institutions — to develop its AgriPrime product range, strengthening its position in the agricultural biotechnology sector.

These collaborations reflect a larger shift: in 2024 alone, 840 researchers from over 70 non-EU countries are working for research institutions in Ireland under the Hosting Agreement Scheme. This marks a 30% increase in just four years, with a 10% jump compared to 2023. And the trend isn’t slowing down.

The majority of these researchers are postdoctoral candidates, further cementing Ireland’s role as a hub for global talent. In terms of nationality, India leads the way at 28%, followed by China (10%) and the United States (7%).

Here’s a quick look at just some of the companies leveraging the Hosting Agreement Scheme to bring global research talent to Ireland:

• BioAtlantis Ltd. – Biotechnology company specializing in bioactive molecules, collaborating with the University of Galway.
• Met Éireann – Ireland’s national meteorological service, engaged in climate and weather-related academic research.
• MBryonics Ltd. – A photonics and optics company pushing boundaries in advanced optical systems.
• Airfield Estate – Leading the charge in sustainable agriculture and food sustainability research.
• SiriusXT Limited – A medical imaging company developing soft X-ray microscopes for cutting-edge biomedical science.
• Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland – Global pharmaceutical company advancing drug research.
• Kuka Robotics Ireland Ltd. – Specialising in industrial automation and robotics.
• Element Six Limited – Global leader in synthetic diamonds and supermaterials, advancing research in advanced materials.

From biotech to environmental services, the scheme is enabling companies across various sectors to tap into the best and brightest minds from around the world. With the growing number of researchers and global collaborations, the future of research and innovation in Ireland has never looked brighter.

EURAXESS Ireland plays a key role in coordinating the scheme, overseeing the approval process, and providing guidelines and immigration assistance to individual researchers and their employers. More info on https://www.euraxess.ie/ireland/fast-track-work-permit-non-eu-rd-hosting-agreement-scheme