Open Calls

Cyprus Chamber Champions Bold Funding Opportunity For Women-Led Deep-Tech Ventures

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 23, 2026

Empowering Innovation In Green, Agri, And Climate Tech

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also known as Keve, is spearheading a transformative funding initiative aimed at bolstering women-led deep-tech startups. As the coordinating body for the Enterprise Europe Network in Cyprus, the Chamber is launching WE-RISE Open Call 2, a program specifically crafted to nurture innovative ventures in the GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech sectors.

Strategic Investment For Sustainable Growth

Funded under Horizon Europe, the WE-RISE initiative dedicates a total budget of €600,000 to empower startups developing advanced technological solutions with significant environmental impact. With a clear focus on scalability, this open call is set to select 20 women-led tech startups from EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries, giving special preference to ventures from moderate and emerging innovator regions, including Cyprus.

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Two-Phase Acceleration Model

The program unfolds in two distinct phases. The initial Nurture Phase is a three-month intensive period during which each selected startup receives a €5,000 grant. This phase is designed to fortify strategic planning through tailored business coaching, specialized training, and the development of a comprehensive Strategic Action Plan, culminating in participation in critical investor meetings.

Successful candidates from this stage may advance to the Bloom Phase, where up to 10 startups will be awarded an additional €50,000 grant. This subsequent phase focuses on accelerating product development, market expansion, and executing robust strategic growth activities.

Clear Eligibility And Application Guidelines

To qualify, startups must be women-led with key leadership roles, such as CEO, CTO, or CSO, occupied by a woman. Eligible entities must operate within the GreenTech, AgriTech, or ClimateTech sectors and have been legally established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe associated country before January 1, 2025. Applicants are also required to meet at least one transversal criterion, such as achieving a significant product-market fit or securing a minimum funding threshold of €300,000.

Interested startups should create a profile on the EuroQuity platform and join the WE-RISE Greenhouse Community. The formal application, which must be submitted in English, is open from December 4, 2025, until the final deadline at 17:00 CET on February 12, 2026. Detailed information can be found on the WE-RISE Open Call 2 page.

Driving Commercial Impact Through Strategic Support

This well-structured initiative not only provides vital financial support, but also offers the strategic expertise necessary for these startups to scale effectively. The dual-phase approach—combining initial empowerment with subsequent acceleration—ensures that promising ventures are well-equipped to succeed in a competitive global market, reinforcing Cyprus’s emerging role as a hub for innovation.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

RIF Launches €500,000 BRIDGE2HORIZON Call To Help Cypriot Consortia Leaders Prepare For Horizon Europe

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 27, 2026

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has opened a new call under BRIDGE2HORIZON/0326, with a total budget of €500,000 and funding of up to €100,000 per project. The programme is intended to strengthen Cyprus-registered research and innovation organisations in areas aligned with the country’s Smart Specialisation Strategy 2023–2030 and upcoming Horizon Europe work programmes.

RIF says the call is also designed to increase the number of Cypriot organisations that coordinate collaborative projects and lead pan-European research networks under Horizon Europe Pillar II and the programme’s European Missions.

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Benefits

Total call budget: €500,000.
Maximum funding per project: €100,000.
The call is co-funded by the Republic of Cyprus and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the THALEIA 2021–2027 programme.

Who can apply

The host organisation may be a:

Research Organisation
Enterprise
Other Organisation.

Eligible partner organisations may also include Research Organisations, Enterprises, and Other Organisations.

Criteria

The collaboration network must include at least one Enterprise (Category B) and one Research Organisation (Category A).

The call is aimed at projects in thematic areas relevant both to Cyprus’ Smart Specialisation Strategy and to future Horizon Europe priorities.

How to apply

Deadline: 29 May 2026, 13:00, or earlier if the budget is exhausted.
Submission portal: proposals must be submitted through the IRIS Portal.
Call documents: available under the call announcement in IRIS.

RIF will also hold an online information webinar on Friday, 3 April 2026, 12:00–13:00 local time. Interested applicants must register in advance through the link provided on the call page, and may submit questions ahead of time during registration.

For further information, applicants can contact RIF’s Partner Support Centre at 22205000 or support@research.org.cy.

About the programme

BRIDGE2HORIZON is part of RIF’s effort to help Cypriot organisations build the capacity needed to compete more successfully in Horizon Europe, particularly in collaborative projects where Cyprus-based entities take on a stronger coordinating role.