Grow Digital & AI: AI Receptionist Funding in Ireland

An appointment enquiry arrives while your dental receptionist is helping a patient at the desk. A pet owner calls your veterinary clinic during the lunchtime rush. These everyday situations are why practices explore AI reception: to support their team with routine calls and appointment requests.

For eligible businesses in the Republic of Ireland, Grow Digital & AI, previously called the Grow Digital Voucher, may help with the cost of approved new software. The important first step is to check the funding route before committing to a purchase.

This guide explains how the scheme could relate to an AI receptionist, what a practice needs to check and where to start.

Grow Digital & AI: what has changed?

On 14 October 2026, the government announced that the Grow Digital Voucher is being renamed Grow Digital & AI. Digital for Business is also being renamed Digital & AI for Business.

The two supports are being redesigned as a linked pathway: an assessment of the business’s digital and AI readiness, followed by funding for eligible implementation arising from that assessment. The emphasis is on measurable business outcomes. Read the government announcement.

AI was already included in earlier scheme guidance. The announcement gives AI a clearer role, but does not automatically approve any product, supplier or practice. Read the Department’s AI support guidance.

What does 50% support actually mean?

The grant covers 50% of eligible approved costs, with a minimum grant of €500 and a maximum cumulative grant of €5,000. A business may receive approval for up to two projects, but the combined grant ceiling remains €5,000. A second project also depends on demonstrated progress.

For illustration, if a LEO approves €4,000 of eligible project costs, 50% support would be €2,000. This is an arithmetic example, not a ViveoAI price or a funding promise. See LEO funding guidance.

Could a dental or veterinary practice qualify?

Professional practices can explore the scheme, but eligibility depends on the business and proposed project. The national criteria include:

• Between 1 and 50 paid employees.
• At least six months of trading and registration and operation within the relevant LEO area.
• Solvency and current Revenue tax clearance.
• Not being a current Enterprise Ireland or IDA client.
• Meeting the small-enterprise definition, including relevant ownership and group rules.

A small branch of a larger group should not assess eligibility using its own headcount alone. An owner-operated practice with no paid employees should ask its LEO about its position. Check the full applicant criteria.

Start with Digital & AI for Business

Under the currently published LEO rules, a completed Digital for Business project within the previous two years is a prerequisite. Ask your LEO how existing reports and the renamed Digital & AI for Business assessment are being handled during the transition.

The assessment examines existing systems, identifies gaps and explores useful improvements. For a practice considering AI reception, bring concrete examples: when calls go unanswered, which routine questions occupy the team and how appointment requests reach the diary. These help define a practical project rather than a vague wish to adopt AI.

Ask your LEO about accessing the free assessment and whether an existing report is suitable. Explore Digital for Business and the National Enterprise Hub's digital support FAQ.

Which software costs might qualify?

Potentially eligible expenditure includes new off-the-shelf software subscriptions for up to one year, plus qualifying training and IT configuration. Training and configuration together cannot exceed half of the project cost. Additional licences for software already used by the business do not qualify. Bespoke development and regulatory compliance systems are excluded.

Ask for a quote that separates the subscription, setup or training, and any custom work. Do not assume that all integration or development charges qualify.

Plan for cashflow: the annual subscription cost must be incurred before the grant is paid. Ask your LEO what invoices, payment evidence and billing arrangement it requires. The support is not an automatic discount on each monthly bill. Read the official expenditure rules.

Apply before making a commitment

The national rules require submission before ordering, contracting, spending or starting project activity. Our recommendation is to obtain written LEO approval before committing, so the practice is not relying on funding that may not be awarded. Read the LEO application timing rules.

A sensible sequence is:

1. Contact your LEO and confirm the assessment and application route.
2. Define the problem, proposed software and itemised costs, supported by the Digital for Business report.
3. Submit the application, clarify the decision and claim requirements, and agree the start date before proceeding.

Your LEO should confirm the documentation and conditions for your application. Find your Local Enterprise Office.

Choose the right receptionist, not just a funded one

Funding can help with the investment, but the software still needs to suit the practice. A demonstration should let the team explore ordinary calls, corrections and requests that need a human response.

Before buying, ask how the service handles patient information, call records, retention, access controls and handoff to staff. Confirm compatibility with your practice systems, what appointment functions are actually available and what needs separate integration work.

An AI receptionist should have clear administrative boundaries. It should not be presented as a substitute for clinical advice or emergency care.

Try Fiona and prepare a quote for your LEO

ViveoAI's Fiona demos let dental and veterinary teams explore routine enquiries and appointment requests. Use fictional details when trying a demo; it does not create real appointments.

Choose the dental or veterinary demo below, then request a practice discussion and software quote to take to your LEO. Explain the workflow you want to improve and the systems you use, so the proposed scope is clear.

ViveoAI is an independent software supplier. Your LEO decides whether the practice, project and expenditure qualify. A software quote does not guarantee funding.

Information checked against the official sources linked above on 16 October 2026. Confirm current conditions with your LEO before proceeding. This guide concerns the Republic of Ireland scheme, not UK or Northern Ireland funding.