Science Foundation Ireland granted €150m to 160 new research projects last year.
According to the annual report released today, SFI researchers secured another €153m from the private sector, the EU and other international sources.
SFI-funded projects involve 2,999 people, the report reveals.
SFI, the state's science agency, which is funded through the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, reported a 12% rise in international academic collaborations.
There was also an increase of 44% in collaborations between scientific researchers and Irish industry. The foundation says this highlights a determination by the enterprise sector to innovate and increase its competitiveness.
''The day-to-day work of SFI-funded researchers is intrinsically linked to strategic sectors of our economy, from agri-food and energy to medical technologies and telecommunications,'' commented the Chairperson of SFI, Professor Pat Fottrell.
''We are now building on Ireland's top 20 position in the global rankings for the quality of scientific research with breakthroughs in areas ranging from semi-conductor design to optimising energy use in data centres and through these breakthroughs we will drive enterprise competitiveness,'' he added.
