Open Calls

Cyprus Launches De Minimis Sponsorship Plan to Accelerate Global Market Penetration

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.

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.

EIT RawMaterials Offers Up To €1M For Raw Materials Innovation Projects

EIT RawMaterials has opened its Call for RIS Innovation Projects, offering up to €1 million per project to support innovation across Europe’s raw materials value chain.

The call is aimed at projects developing new technologies, products, services or business models in areas including sustainable mining, processing, exploration, circularity, recycling and material substitution. Projects are expected to run for one to two years.

Funding And Support

Selected projects can receive funding covering up to 70% of eligible project costs, with the required co-funding depending on the project type and Technology Readiness Level.

Innovation projects can receive between €800,000 and €1 million. Selected applicants will also have access to proposal guidance, matchmaking support and EIT RawMaterials’ European network for raw materials innovation.

Who Can Apply

The call is open to startups, SMEs, large companies, universities, research centres, NGOs, government agencies and public institutions in RIS-eligible countries, including Cyprus.

Applications must be submitted by consortia meeting the call’s eligibility requirements. Each consortium must include at least two organisations from different RIS-eligible countries and represent at least two sides of the knowledge triangle: education, research and business.

The lead partner must be based in a RIS-eligible country. Organisations that are not yet partners can contact their regional innovation and knowledge centre for support.

The EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) supports countries and regions with lower innovation performance by providing funding, expertise and networks to strengthen local innovation ecosystems, develop skills and bring new products, services and business models to market.

How To Apply

Applicants should download the call documents, including project templates and evaluation criteria, and prepare a proposal outlining the project’s objectives, expected impact and work plan.

Applications must be submitted through SeedBook. The deadline is Friday, October 16, 2026, at 13:00 CET.

About EIT RawMaterials

EIT RawMaterials supports Europe’s transition towards a green, circular and digital economy by promoting innovation, education and strategic cooperation across the raw materials sector.

Its work focuses on securing raw materials supply, closing material loops and developing new materials solutions.

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