RIF Launches €1 Million Funding Initiative For International Startups

Overview

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has unveiled its latest funding call, PRE-SEED/0526, under the “Creation And Initial Development Of Startups With International Orientation (PRE-SEED)” program. This initiative is engineered to empower emerging companies with the potential to scale globally, reinforcing Cyprus’ commitment to nurturing an advanced innovation ecosystem.

Funding Details

Allocated a total budget of €1 million, the call permits up to €119,999 in funding per project. This support is poised to help startups transition from initial concept to tangible development, setting the stage for impactful market entries on an international scale.

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Submission Process

Applicants are required to submit their proposals through the IRIS portal by September 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Thorough preparation and adherence to the provided guidelines are essential to enhance the competitiveness of each submission.

Advancing Innovation

The initiative not only fuels the growth of individual startups but also bolsters the overall innovation framework within Cyprus. By supporting early-stage companies, RIF is creating a robust pipeline of enterprises capable of thriving in global markets.

Further Assistance

For additional information or support, interested parties can contact the RIF Partner Support Centre at 22205000 or via email at callsupport@research.org.cy.

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

by News Editor

August 10, 2026

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.

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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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