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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Cyprus Launches €1.5 Million Grant Scheme For Cybersecurity Innovation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 22, 2026

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE) has announced a €1.5 million grant scheme to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative cybersecurity products and services. Established businesses can apply for up to €100,000 per project.

Launched by the Digital Security Authority (DSA), under the Office of the Commissioner of Communications, the initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF). The DSA serves as Cyprus’ National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCC-CY).

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Funding For Market-Ready Cybersecurity Solutions

The scheme aims to help established businesses bring innovative cybersecurity solutions from concept to market, supporting projects involving software, hardware and educational materials.

Educational projects may target critical infrastructure operators, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and students, with the broader aim of strengthening cyber resilience.

Grant Amounts And Application Deadline

With a total budget of €1.5 million, the programme offers grants of up to €100,000 for each eligible project.

Applications opened on October 9, 2026, and must be submitted by December 8, 2026.

Funding comes from the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union’s Digital Europe Programme through the N4CY2 project, titled “Advancing the NCC-CY – The Next Chapter of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre of Cyprus”.

How To Apply

Eligible businesses can review the requirements and submit applications through the Research and Innovation Foundation’s IRIS platform. The relevant call is listed in the platform’s calls section.

To explain the application process and funding conditions, NCC-CY and RIF will host an online information webinar on October 26, from 12:00 to 13:00. Interested applicants can register for the webinar here.

KEVE has encouraged eligible businesses to consider applying for funding to help bring their cybersecurity innovations to market.

Open Calls