The “Post-Doc” Programme aims to integrate young, post-doctoral scientists in the Cypriot RTDI System, to carry out high level research projects, seeking to involve the young scientists in novel research activities, to stimulate critical mass of researchers in cutting-edge scientific areas and to create sustainable, top level specialised job positions for young scientists. The Programme also aims to address the brain drain challenge which has increased in recent years.
Summary
In this section you may find information on National Schemes published by the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation (formerly know as the Research Promotion Foundation – RPF).
Programme Description
In this section you may find information on National Schemes published by the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation (formerly know as the Research Promotion Foundation – RPF).
Thematic Categories
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
Eligibility for Participation
- Other Beneficiaries
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
Website
Programme/Sub-programme/Plan Calls
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Excellence Hubs
OpenedCode: 38203 | Identifier Code: EXCELLENCE/0925 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 18/09/2025 | End submission calls: 26/11/2025
The “Excellence Hubs” Programme aims to promote scientific excellence, which is a fundamental part for the sustainable development of the Research, Technological Development and Innovation (RTDI) System, through the funding of pioneering research projects in cutting-edge fields. Additionally, the Programme aims to contribute towards creating growth prospects for the local economy and to tackle social and other contemporary challenges.
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POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS - ROandOther and Enterprises
OpenedCode: 38173 | Identifier Code: POST-DOC/0925 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 18/09/2025 | End submission calls: 28/11/2025
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AI in Government
OpenedCode: 38054 | Identifier Code: ΑΙ in Government | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Start submission calls: 24/07/2025 | End submission calls: 17/10/2025
The aim of this call is to develop innovative solutions that utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address specific challenges faced by public authorities. Through the program, participants have the opportunity to receive financial support for the development and testing of a prototype in a real environment, with the aim of subsequently developing it into a marketable product, service, or solution. Participants will retain full Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) generated from the process, along with full ownership of the resulting innovation for future commercial use.
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RESTART 2016-2020 «NURTURING AN RTDI CULTURE» «Cyprus Research Award – Young Researcher 2025» AWARD-YR
ClosedCode: 38031 | Identifier Code: CULTURE / AWARD-YR / 0725 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 04/07/2025 | End submission calls: 19/09/2025
The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), in the frame of its activities for recognizing and rewarding research excellence, established an annual Research Award for Cyprus in 2007. In 2013, the Award was modified in order to separately reward young and more experienced researchers, in a parallel attempt to support early-career researchers and promote distinguished scientists active in Cyprus.
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RESTART 2016-2020 «NURTURING AN RTDI CULTURE» «Cyprus Research Award – Distinguished Researcher 2025»
ClosedCode: 38028 | Identifier Code: CULTURE/AWARD-DR/0725 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 04/07/2025 | End submission calls: 19/09/2025
The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) launches the Call for Nominations for the “Cyprus Research Award – Distinguished Researcher” of the Programme “Nurturing an RTDI Culture” within the framework of the “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes for Research, Technological Development and Innovation (RTDI) and invites all interested parties to submit nominations for the award.
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Cyprus Award – Distinguished Researcher 2025
ClosedCode: 37143 | Identifier Code: Research Awards | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Start submission calls: 04/07/2025 | End submission calls: 19/09/2025
The “Cyprus Research Award – Distinguished Researcher” is granted to excellent scientists with extensive research experience, who conduct research in Cyprus and can demonstrate recent, significant and internationally recognized research results.
The Award aims to appraise and promote the work and personality of these distinguished scientists who honor Cyprus through their high-quality research and its impact.
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Cyprus Research Award – Young Researcher 2025
ClosedCode: 37137 | Identifier Code: Research Awards | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Start submission calls: 04/07/2025 | End submission calls: 19/09/2025
The “Cyprus Research Award – Young Researcher” is awarded to young researchers that have demonstrated the ability to perform high quality research.
The Award aims to highlight the research activity, achievements and personality of young scientists undertaking research in Cyprus, who have shown an ability to produce significant and internationally recognized results from the early stages of their career.
In addition, the Award aims to actively support young researchers, facilitating the continuation of their work and research career.
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Cyprus Award – Commercial Exploitation of Research Results 2025
ClosedCode: 37132 | Identifier Code: Research Awards | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Start submission calls: 04/07/2025 | End submission calls: 19/09/2025
It is awarded to a scientist or group of scientists, who has/have demonstrated successful commercial exploitation of the results of his/her/their physical or social sciences, engineering, or humanities research as demonstrated by a licensee or start-up which is developing the technology for a commercial application and has at least begun beta testing or the equivalent with intended end-users in terms of functionality, usability and reliability.
The Award grant of €60.000 may be used by the winner on a project of their choice to carry out research and development activities (TRL 4-8) maiming to improve the level of his/hers research’s commercialization readiness, at a Host Organization of his choice.
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European Initiatives – National Development (PRIMA)
ClosedCode: 36382 | Identifier Code: P2P/PRIMA/0525 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Start submission calls: 09/05/2025 | End submission calls: 15/07/2025
Participation in the European PRIMA Partnership aims to encourage Cypriot organisations to participate in international research and development projects related to water management, agroecology and food systems. In addition, it aims at networking and cooperation of Cypriot organisations with foreign organisations through their participation in international research and development projects.
Closing date of call:
- 08/07/2025 (PRIMA)
- 15/7/2025 (IRIS)
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EIG Concert Japan
ClosedCode: 36327 | Identifier Code: CONCERT/JAPAN/0425 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Start submission calls: 29/04/2025 | End submission calls: 29/07/2025
EIG CONCERT-Japan (Connecting and Coordinating European Research and Technology Development with Japan) aims to promote scientific cooperation, knowledge exchange and innovation between Japan and Europe.
Submission Deadline to the EIG CONCERT-Japan: 22 July 2025, 10:00 (CEST)
Deadline for Proposal Submission to the RIF: 29 July 2025, 13:00 (Local Time)
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Fast Track Innovation
ClosedCode: 36050 | Identifier Code: FTI/0325 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Start submission calls: 04/03/2025 | End submission calls: 30/04/2025
The Fast Track Innovation Programme aims to support existing enterprises from all sectors of activity to invest in the rapid development and promotion of internationally competitive innovative products and services. The Programme includes activities targeting the improvement of the characteristics of existing products/services/processes through research and development activities or the development of new products or the development of services that create new revenue streams into the business within a short period of time.
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Participation of Cypriot Enterprises in Meetings Abroad to attract investments - Meet Investors Travel Grants (02/2025)
OpenedCode: 35954 | Identifier Code: MEET INVESTORS/0225 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Start submission calls: 17/02/2025 | End submission calls: 15/12/2025
The Call is open to innovative enterprises seeking to attract private investment to further develop their enterprise.
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BOOST
OpenedCode: 35440 | Identifier Code: BOOST/1224 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Start submission calls: 05/12/2024 | End submission calls: 12/12/2025
The “BOOST” Programme aims to foster strong partnerships between enterprises developing groundbreaking innovations and private investors, with the goal of supporting the further development and scaling-up of innovative companies in international markets. Through the Programme, the funding provided by RIF ensures strategic equity investments to enable the successful penetration of enterprises in international markets, while enhancing the competitiveness of the Cypriot economy.
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Call for Proposals for the «PHD in Industry» Programme
ClosedCode: 35215 | Identifier Code: PHD IN INDUSTRY/1124 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 11/11/2024 | End submission calls: 27/03/2025
The “PhD in Industry” Programme aims to fund research projects, implemented by a researcher employed in an enterprise while he is registered at a PhD Programme in a University in Cyprus. The Programme aims to promote effective collaboration between enterprises and the research/academic community since it is based on the collaboration of researchers, universities and industry, and combines the scientific research and cognitive specialization of researchers with the practical application of knowledge in industry.
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EIG Concert Japan
ClosedCode: 33783 | Identifier Code: CONCERT/JAPAN/0524 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 14/05/2024 | End submission calls: 29/07/2024
EIG CONCERT-Japan (Connecting and Coordinating European Research and Technology Development with Japan) aims to promote scientific cooperation, knowledge exchange and innovation between Japan and Europe. It is a continuation of an ERA-NET project funded under the European Commission’s 7th Framework Programme for Research and coordinated by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). The programme involves collaborative research projects between Japanese and European research teams in specific areas.
This call relates to proposals to be submitted under the thematic area ‘Digital Transformations and Robotics in Sustainable Agriculture’.
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Call for Proposals for the « Horizon Europe- 2nd Opportunity ERC» Programme
ClosedCode: 33778 | Identifier Code: OPPTY- ERC/0524 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 27/05/2024 | End submission calls: 17/12/2024
The Programme’s objective is to provide a second opportunity to entities and natural persons (researchers) who attempted to receive a grant under Horizon Europe Programme, and whose proposals despite of being of high quality did not manage to secure funding.
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Cyprus Award – Commercial Exploitation of Research Results 2024
ClosedCode: 33316 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Start submission calls: 02/05/2024 | End submission calls: 28/06/2024
It is awarded to a scientist or group of scientists, who has/have demonstrated successful commercial exploitation of the results of his/her/their physical or social sciences, engineering, or humanities research as demonstrated by a licensee or start-up which is developing the technology for a commercial application and has at least begun beta testing or the equivalent with intended end-users in terms of functionality, usability and reliability. The Award grant of €60.000 may be used by the winner on a project of their choice to carry out research and development activities (TRL 4-8) maiming to improve the level of his/hers research’s commercialization readiness, at a Host Organisation of his choice.
In addition, the winner(s) will automatically become beneficiaries of the services and knowledge transfer support and tools provided by the Foundation in the framework of the Central Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO) and the Innovation Factory.
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ERC Visiting Research Fellowship
ClosedCode: 33312 | Identifier Code: ERC FELLOWSHIP/0524 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 27/05/2024 | End submission calls: 30/09/2025
The “ERC Visiting Research Fellowship” Programme aims to encourage more excellent young and advanced researchers to apply for the European Research Council (ERC) Calls for Proposals of the «Horizon Europe» Programme by giving them the opportunity to travel abroad to an ERC Grantee, with the aim of enhancing his/her research profile and knowledge exchange in an international environment and prepare a proposal (with a Host Organisation in the areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus) for one of the ERC calls listed below.
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Cyprus Research Award – Young Researcher 2024
ClosedCode: 33309 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Start submission calls: 02/05/2024 | End submission calls: 28/06/2024
The “Cyprus Research Award – Young Researcher” is awarded to young researchers that have demonstrated the ability to perform high quality research.
The Award aims to highlight the research activity, achievements and personality of young scientists undertaking research in Cyprus, who have shown an ability to produce significant and internationally recognized results from the early stages of their career.
In addition, the Award aims to actively support young researchers, facilitating the continuation of their work and research career.
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European Initiatives – National Development (PRIMA)
ClosedCode: 33029 | Identifier Code: P2P/PRIMA/0324 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Start submission calls: 08/03/2024 | End submission calls: 03/10/2024
The “European Initiatives – National Development” Programme aims at enhancing the extroversion of the national Research, Technological Development and Innovation (RTDI) system which is one of the horizontal priorities of the Smart Specialisation Strategy for Cyprus (S3Cy).
Cyprus, through the RIF, participates in a series of European Initiatives (Joint Programming Initiatives, ERA-NET COFUND and Programmes under the Article 185 of the EU Treaty), which aim at coordinating the funding of research activity and the establishment of research priorities at a pan-European level, through the design and implementation of Joint Research Programmes.
The “European Initiatives – National Development” Programme is the institutional framework for announcing the Transnational Calls for Proposals, in which the RIF participates and their content being relevant to the S3Cy Priority Sectors.
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Call for Proposals for the «PHD IN INDUSTRY» Programme
ClosedCode: 31788 | Identifier Code: PHD IN INDUSTRY/1123 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 28/11/2023 | End submission calls: 29/03/2024
The “PhD in Industry” Programme aims to fund research projects, implemented by a researcher employed in an enterprise while he is registered at a PhD Programme in a University in Cyprus. The Programme aims to promote effective collaboration between enterprises and the research/academic community since it is based on the collaboration of researchers, universities and industry, and combines the scientific research and cognitive specialization of researchers with the practical application of knowledge in industry.
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Horizon Europe Travel Grants
OpenedCode: 30787 | Identifier Code: TRAVEL GRANTS/0823 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: ii. OTHER RIF PROGRAMMES | Start submission calls: 29/08/2023 | End submission calls: 31/12/2026
The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) announces a Call for Expression of Interest (EoI) for supporting individuals from Organizations established in the Republic of Cyprus in participating in networking Events organized abroad, with the aim to encourage their participation in proposals to be submitted in the context of Horizon Europe, the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2021-27.
This Call for EoI particularly targets interested Organizations that are planning to submit Proposals as Coordinators and/or Work Package Leaders and/or lead particular activities as Task Leaders in potential Project consortia submitting in Horizon Europe Calls for Proposals.
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Call for Proposals for the «CO-DEVELOP» Programme
ClosedCode: 30442 | Identifier Code: CODEVELOP-AG-SH-HE/0823 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 10/08/2023 | End submission calls: 20/10/2023
The “CO-DEVELOP” Programme aims to enhance the effective collaboration between enterprises and the research community, with the aim of jointly identifying challenges and jointly designing and implementing research and development projects to develop new cost-effective solutions to address these challenges. In the context of effective collaboration, the sharing of resources and infrastructure and the mobility of staff are expected, among other things, in order to enable the technology transfer and the exchange of knowledge.
The ultimate objective is bridging the gap between academia and industry and the utilization of the existing know-how to meet specific needs and challenges, thus contributing to the strengthening of the competitiveness of the economy and the improvement of the quality of life in Cyprus.
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Call for Proposals for the «Creation and Initial Development of Startups with International Orientation (PRE-SEED)» Programme
ClosedCode: 30437 | Identifier Code: PRE-SEED/0823 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 10/08/2023 | End submission calls: 03/11/2023
The objective of the «Creation and Initial Development of Startups with International Orientation (PRE-SEED)» Programme is to support the creation and initial development of innovative Startups which aim to develop innovative products and services with global market penetration prospects.
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Restart 2016 – 2020 «NURTURING AN RTDI CULTURE» – Competition «Cyprus Award – Commercial Exploitation of Research Results 2023»
ClosedCode: 29181 | Identifier Code: CULTURE / AWARD-EXPLOITATION / 0523 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 12/05/2023 | End submission calls: 30/06/2023
The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), in the frame of its activities to develop a culture of knowledge transfer and commercial exploitation of research resulats, announces for the first time the “Cyprus Award for the Commercial Exploitation of Research Results”. Knowledge Transfer activity at national level makes a significant contribution to enhancing competitiveness, creating new jobs and contributing to the diversification, sustainability and vitality of national economies. This Award will provide a reward for young scientists who have demonstrated successful commercial exploitation of research results and seeks to motivate and encourage further development of knowledge transfer activities in the Cypriot ecosystem.
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Restart 2016 – 2020 «Nurturing an RTDI Culture» – Competition «Cyprus Research Award – Distinguished Researcher 2023»
ClosedCode: 29173 | Identifier Code: CULTURE/AWARD-DR/ 0523 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 12/05/2023 | End submission calls: 30/06/2023
The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), in the frame of its activities for recognizing and rewarding research excellence, has established an annual Research Award for Cyprus since 2007.
The “Cyprus Research Award – Distinguished Researcher” is granted to excellent scientists with extensive research experience, who conduct research in Cyprus and can demonstrate recent, significant and internationally recognized research results. The Award aims to appraise and promote the work and personality of these distinguished scientists who honor Cyprus through their high-quality research and its impact.
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Restart 2016 - 2020 «Nurturing an RTDI Culture» - Competition «Cyprus Research Award – Young Researcher 2023»
ClosedCode: 29164 | Identifier Code: CULTURE / AWARD-YR / 0523 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 12/05/2023 | End submission calls: 30/06/2023
The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), in the frame of its activities for recognizing and rewarding research excellence, established an annual Research Award for Cyprus in 2007.
The “Cyprus Research Award – Young Researcher” is awarded to young researchers that have demonstrated the ability to perform high quality research. The Award aims to highlight the research activity, achievements and personality of young scientists undertaking research in Cyprus, who have shown an ability to produce significant and internationally recognized results from the early stages of their career. In addition, the Award aims to actively support young researchers, facilitating the continuation of their work and research career.
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Horizon Europe – 2nd Opportunity EIC
ClosedCode: 27979 | Identifier Code: OPPTY_EIC/0323 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 17/03/2023 | End submission calls: 17/05/2024
«Horizon Europe – 2 nd Opportunity EIC» Programme aims to provide a second opportunity to enterprises that have submitted proposals in the frame of the EIC Accelerator Programme of the «Horizon Europe» Programme of the EU, which either have been awarded with a Seal of Excellence or they were rejected in the final evaluation stage (face-to-face interviews) of the Programme, in order to improve their Proposals and reapply for EU funding through the Programme.
More specifically, the Programme aims to support beneficiaries to address weaknesses/shortcomings of the original proposals submitted to the EIC Accelerator and to improve the technological and commercial readiness of the innovative idea.
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SPONSORSHIPS 2023
ClosedCode: 27930 | Identifier Code: SPONSORSHIPS/0323 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: ii. OTHER RIF PROGRAMMES | Start submission calls: 06/03/2023 | End submission calls: 11/08/2023
See the Greek text.
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Call for Proposals for the "PhD in Industry" Programme / PhD in Industry / 1222
ClosedCode: 26066 | Identifier Code: PHD IN INDUSTRY/1222 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 29/03/2023
The “PhD in Industry” Programme aims to fund research projects that is implemented by the researcher who is employed in an enterprise while he is registered at a PhD Programme in a University in Cyprus. The Programme aims to promote effective collaboration between enterprises and the research/academic community since it is based on the collaboration of researchers, universities and industry, and combines the scientific research and cognitive specialization of researchers with the practical application of knowledge in industry.
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Call for Proposals for the "Horizon Europe - 2nd Opportunity ERC" Programme
ClosedCode: 25929 | Identifier Code: OPPTY- ERC/1122 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 04/11/2022 | End submission calls: 17/05/2024
The Programme’s objective is to provide a second opportunity to entities and natural persons (researchers) who attempted to receive a grant under Horizon Europe Programme, and whose proposals despite of being of high quality did not manage to secure funding due to budget exhaustion.
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Sponsorships Programme 2021 (SPONSORSHIPS/0721)
ClosedCode: 11414 | Identifier Code: SPONSORSHIPS/0721 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: ii. OTHER RIF PROGRAMMES | Start submission calls: 30/07/2021 | End submission calls: 29/07/2022
The Research and Innovation Foundation announces the Call for Proposals for the Sponsorships Programme 2021 (SPONSORSHIPS/0721).
The RIF’s Sponsorships Programme promotes the Foundation’s strategic goal of nurturing a Culture of Research and Innovation (R&I) in the ecosystem and the wider public through actions that support R&I, including skills development.
Through the Sponsorships Programme, the RIF supports:
- the organisation of events promoting research, technological development and innovation to the public, and
- the representation of Cyprus in international science, research and innovation competitions.
The Call will be open until the 29th of July 2022 or until exhaustion of the budget. The total budget for this Call is €60.000
Implementation Period: 04/10/2021 – 03/10/2022
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Call for Proposals for the «Excellence Hubs» Programme
ClosedCode: 3690 | Identifier Code: EXCELLENCE/0421 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 05/04/2021 | End submission calls: 02/07/2021
The “Excellence Hubs” Programme aims to promote scientific excellence, which is a fundamental part for the sustainable development of the RTDI System, by funding frontier research projects in cutting-edge fields.
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«Proof of Concept for Technology / Knowhow Applications» in the Hydrocarbons Sector
ClosedCode: 3692 | Identifier Code: CONCEPT - HYDRO/0421 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Sub-program: i. “RESTART 2016-2020” Programmes | Start submission calls: 05/04/2021 | End submission calls: 18/06/2021
The “Proof of Concept for Technology / Knowhow Applications” Programme aims at the preliminary investigation of possible industrial applications of a technology/knowhow in the hydrocarbons sector.
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PRIMA - Section 2 – Multitopics 2021
ClosedCode: 3772 | Identifier Code: P2P/PRIMA/0321 | Programme name: Research & Innovation Foundation Programmes | Start submission calls: 05/03/2021 | End submission calls: 21/04/2021
The PRIMA Joint Programme, by funding Research & Innovation through competitive calls, aims to build research and innovation capacities and to develop knowledge and common innovative solutions for agro-food systems, to make them sustainable, and for integrated water provision and management in the Mediterranean area, to make those systems and that provision and management more climate resilient, efficient, cost-effective and environmentally and socially sustainable, and to contribute to solving water scarcity, food security, nutrition, health, wellbeing and migration problems upstream.