Filenews 14 July 2025
Theodoros Loukaides, Director General of the Foundation for Research and Innovation (RIF), presented new funding calls, strategic partnerships and flagship actions to strengthen the Research and Innovation ecosystem in Cyprus, pointing out that the aim is to create a dynamic, resilient and internationally competitive R&D environment.
€24.25 million for innovative products and services
With four new funding programs, RIF supports businesses and startups at all stages of development:
- STEP: Pioneering program for the transition from growth to production, with up to €2 million per proposal and a total budget of €10 million. (submission until 5/9/2025).
- SEED: Support for start-ups with up to €500,000 for internationally competitive products (submission until 12/9/2025).
- INNOVATE: Support to existing businesses for the development of new or improved products/services with up to €1 million (submission until 9/9/2025).
- BOOST: Blended finance for companies with private investment and innovation certificate (submission by 12/12/2025).
In addition, in collaboration with the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, the AI in Government program was announced, for the development of artificial intelligence solutions in the public sector, with an emphasis on supporting the Department of Meteorology. The total budget amounts to €5 million.
The renewal of the Innovation Vouchers call (€350,000) is also planned, as well as a new program for young people seeking to establish startups.
€16.9 million for research excellence and infrastructures
In September 2025, the new Post-doc (€4.6 million) and Excellence Hubs (€3 million) calls will be launched, while the OPENINFRA call (€7.5 million) for equipment that will also be accessible by businesses has recently been completed.
The Proof of Concept call remains open until 1 August 2025, offering €40,000 per project, for the exploration of commercial exploitation of research results (total budget: €600,000).
Support for participation in the Horizon Europe programme also continues through the Vision ERC, 2nd Opportunity ERC and ERC Visiting Fellowships calls.
Strengthening international cooperation and access to EU funds
RIF supports international collaborations through the open calls PRIMA (agri-food & water in the Mediterranean) and CONCERT Japan (climate change). Already, 229 Cypriot entities have raised €320.8 million. by the EU under Horizon Europe.
The Foundation invites all interested parties to take advantage of the opportunities, participating in a timely and organized manner. Through the www.research.org.cy website, interested parties can find information about open and upcoming calls, attend information events and contact RIF officials via phone, email or chatbot.
