RIF Launches “AI in Government” Funding Programme to Drive Public Sector Innovation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 29, 2025

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), in partnership with the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, has announced its flagship “AI in Government” funding programme. This is a key initiative under Cyprus’s 2025 Annual Governance Programme to accelerate digital transformation in public services through the deployment of Artificial Intelligence.

Overview

RIF is inviting Cypriot businesses and eligible entities to propose innovative AI solutions addressing real public sector needs. The two main challenges, issued by the Department of Meteorology, target:

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Early warning systems for extreme weather events
Agrometeorological support for the agricultural sector

Additional challenges are expected to be added in due course.

How to Apply

Access the full call details, including eligibility, guidelines, and submission steps, through the IRIS Portal (iris.research.org.cy).
Deadline: Please submit your proposal by October 17, 2025.
For inquiries, please contact us at support@research.org.cy or call +357 22205000.

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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.

Open Calls