Open Calls

Cyprus Seeds Expands Strategic Team Amid Innovation Boom

Expanding Horizons

Cyprus Seeds, a pioneer in fostering research commercialisation and innovation projects both domestically and abroad, is strategically expanding its lean team. With a robust seven-year legacy and an impressive portfolio of academic and commercial achievements, the non-profit organization is set to double its workforce by recruiting two key professionals.

Leadership Role: Head Of Innovation Support Unit

The organization is seeking an experienced, full-time Head of the Innovation Support Unit to spearhead its participation in major European-funded projects. This role is pivotal in managing initiatives such as the Horizon Europe-backed PHAETHON project, aimed at establishing the FOSS Research Centre for Sustainable Energy as a Centre of Excellence, and the national digital hub DiGiNN. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating project deliverables, preparing detailed reports for the European Commission and national authorities, and developing advanced innovation management services. Essential qualifications include a master’s degree, hands-on experience with Horizon Europe projects, and a firm grasp of research commercialisation and intellectual property dynamics. Additional credentials in project management and entrepreneurship will be regarded as assets.

Operational Excellence: Innovation Project Officer

In addition to the leadership role, Cyprus Seeds is recruiting an Innovation Project Officer to bolster the operational framework of its European project portfolio. This role will provide critical support in ensuring the seamless execution of tasks related to the PHAETHON initiative. The appointment reflects the organization’s commitment to reinforcing its innovation ecosystem and operational efficiency.

Trailblazing Achievements And Future Prospects

Over the past seven years, Cyprus Seeds has made significant strides in enhancing the commercial viability of academic research. The organization has funded 24 scientific projects, facilitated the launch of five spin-offs, and secured two licensing agreements, while collaborating with internationally renowned entities such as The MIT Deshpande Centre, The Hellenic Initiative, the egg accelerator, Conception X, and DTU’s Skylab.

Ranked by the Financial Times in 2025 as one of Europe’s Leading Start-Up Hubs, Cyprus Seeds continues to fortify its leadership in innovation by actively engaging in landmark projects like the €45 million PHAETHON Centre of Excellence and DiGiNN, which focuses on intelligent, sustainable energy solutions and digital transformation.

Join A Forward-Thinking Initiative

The new roles not only offer competitive remuneration—including a thirteenth salary and hybrid work options—but also provide a unique opportunity to collaborate with top-tier universities, EU institutions, and international research partners. Interested candidates are invited to submit their CVs by September 30, 2025, to the designated email address.

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

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.

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.

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