The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) this week announced its key funding calls for 2025, with a total budget exceeding €45.3 million.

According to the foundation, the planned programmes aim to strengthen Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem.

The plan, the foundation explained, involves pioneering funding initiatives that support the development of production lines for innovative products and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to address challenges within the public sector.

Additionally, a fast-track development programme will provide backing for the rapid creation and commercialisation of innovative products and services.

Moreover, the foundation said that the design of these initiatives aligns with its five strategic priorities, which include research, knowledge transfer and collaboration, innovation, internationalisation, as well as infrastructure and capabilities.

In the first quarter of 2025, funding calls will focus on various initiatives, including innovation support structures, the establishment of production facilities, and AI applications in the public sector.

Among these are the Innovate, Seed, and Fast Track Innovation programmes, as well as the European partnership EUROSTARS and the Vision ERC scheme.

Additionally, the foundation will launch the Horizon Europe Second Chance initiative and the R&I Internships programme, alongside sponsorships for innovation-related events.

The second quarter will introduce funding opportunities for enterprises, proof-of-concept projects, and cybersecurity capability enhancement.

It will also include grants for post-doctoral researchers and excellence hubs designed to foster high-level research collaboration.

In the fourth quarter, the foundation will roll out the Bridge2Horizon initiative, further supporting the integration of Cypriot research into the European innovation landscape.

Finally, the announcement noted that further details on the application process and eligibility criteria can be found on the RIF website.