Open Calls

Cyprus Launches De Minimis Sponsorship Plan to Accelerate Global Market Penetration

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 2, 2025

Government Initiative Aims to Empower Cypriot Exporters

The Cypriot government has taken a decisive step to boost the international competitiveness of its local businesses. The Cabinet recently approved the new De Minimis Sponsorship Plan, designed to support Cypriot companies participating in international trade exhibitions where the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry (MEIC) operates a government booth. The initiative, proposed by Minister George Papanastasiou, is poised to drive Cypriot producers into new markets.

Strategic Investment to Enhance Global Outreach

With a targeted budget of €1,700,000 allocated for 2026, the plan seeks to strengthen the international presence of Cypriot companies involved in manufacturing and product trading. The overarching goal is to increase exports and assist these enterprises in penetrating competitive global marketplaces. This strategic investment is expected to empower businesses to achieve sustainable growth, resonating with similar international initiatives that have successfully deepened market reach.

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Eligibility and Submission Guidelines

Eligibility for the scheme extends to companies and officially recognized Producer Groups and Organizations operating in the industrial processing and trading sectors—including those in allied service industries. Notably, the government clarifies that participation is contingent on the timely receipt of applications. Companies are eligible to apply individually via direct submission, by registered mail, or private courier between November 28, 2025, and December 19, 2025. Late submissions beyond December 19, 2025, will be considered untimely and will not be reviewed.

Global Trade Fairs on the Horizon

The approved sponsorship plan will facilitate participation in a series of high-profile international trade fairs. Key events include the Industrial Products Exhibition in Athens (May 8-10, 2026); Food and Beverage exhibitions in Dubai (January 26-30, 2026); and notable exhibitions in Düsseldorf (March 15-17, 2026), Paris (October 17-21, 2026), and Berlin (February 4-6, 2026). These events represent well-timed opportunities for Cypriot businesses to showcase their products on a global stage.

This government-backed initiative is a clear indication of Cyprus’s commitment to fostering economic growth through enhanced international trade. It underscores a forward-thinking approach where strategic public investments catalyze private sector success on global platforms.

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.