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Defence Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) Unit

The mission of the RTI unit is to strengthen Ireland's Defence capability and derive wider societal benefit by enhancing innovation capacity in Defence and developing a robust innovation ecosystem across Defence, Government, industry and academia.

The Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) Unit is a joint unit of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces; collectively known as the Defence Organisation. It is staffed by members of the Defence Forces and Department of Defence.

The RTI Unit was formed in 2021 following the recommendations of Feasibility Study: Establishment of a Research, Technology and Innovation Capability for the Defence Organisation. 

The Unit is guided by the RTI Unit Strategy 2023 - 2025.

  • Mission: Strengthen Ireland's Defence capability and derive wider societal benefit by enhancing innovation capacity in Defence and developing a robust innovation ecosystem across Defence, Government, industry and academia.
  • Vision: The Defence RTI Unit, for the benefit of Ireland's Defence capability, will be the best and most successful promotor and enabler of innovation in Ireland's public sector.
  • Governance: The RTI Unit deliver's its mission through robust structures and processes, the right resourcing and a responsible risk management approach to innovation.

RTI Unit Strategic Priorities (2023 – 2025)

  • Priority 1 – Defence Innovation Ecosystem
    Develop progressive partnerships within Defence and across Government, European Institutions, academia, industry and start-up communities.
  • Priority 2 – Innovation Acceleration
    Putting end-users at the centre of innovation, provide opportunities to enhance how they deliver Defence capability.
  • Priority 3 – Innovation Capacity
    Develop a culture and systems where all Defence  personnel are inspired, empowered and enabled to innovate.
  • Priority 4 – Transformative Innovation
    Drive innovation across Defence by pioneering change and long-term transformation.

Industry and Research Collaboration

The RTI Unit coordinates research and innovation collaboration between the Defence Organisation and external entities.

European Funding

The European Defence Fund (EDF) is the EU Commission’s initiative to support collaborative defence research and development, and to foster an innovative and competitive defence industrial base.

Internal Innovation

The environment in which the Defence Forces and Department of Defence operates is increasingly complex and changing rapidly. To perform effectively, the Defence Forces and Department of Defence must be capable of adapting quickly and learning from m...

Resources and Contact the RTI Unit

The following documents or links may be useful and you can also get in contact with the RTI unit using the form below.