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RIF Unveils €45.3 Million In 2025 Funding Calls To Boost Innovation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 6, 2025

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has announced its main funding calls for 2025, with a total budget exceeding €45.3 million. The funding aims to strengthen Cyprus’ research and innovation ecosystem through targeted programs supporting business innovation, knowledge transfer, and international collaboration.

For the first time, RIF will provide funding for establishing production lines for innovative products and developing AI-driven solutions to address public sector challenges. Additionally, the Fast-Track Innovation program will accelerate the commercialization of new products and services.

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Funding Priorities

The 2025 funding programs align with RIF’s five strategic pillars:

Research
Knowledge Transfer and Collaboration
Innovation
Internationalization
Infrastructure and Capabilities

Planned Calls by Quarter

Q1 2025

Innovate
Seed
Innovation Support Structures
New Product Development – Capacity Building
STEP – Setting up facilities and production lines for manufacturing innovative products/services
Fast-Track Innovation
European Partnership – EUROSTARS
Vision ERC
Horizon Europe – 2nd Opportunity – MSCA
AI in the Public Sector
R&I Internships
Events Sponsorships

Q2 2025

Research in Enterprises (ENTERPRISES)
Proof of Concept
Excellence Hubs (EXCELLENCE)
Post-Doc Fellowships
Cybersecurity Capability Enhancement

Q4 2025

BRIDGE2HORIZON

Further details on funding eligibility, proposal submissions, and deadlines are available on the RIF website.

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Cyprus Unemployment At 4.2% In February 2026, Eurostat Data Show

Eurostat data show that Cyprus recorded a lower unemployment rate in February 2026, while rates in the euro area increased every month.

Strong Performance In Cyprus

Cyprus reported an unemployment rate of 4.20% in February 2026, down from 4.50% in February 2025. The number of unemployed declined from about 23,000 to 22,000 individuals over the same period.

Euro Area Trends And Broader EU Dynamics

Across the euro area, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 6.20% in February 2026 from 6.10% in January. On an annual basis, the rate declined from 6.30% in February 2025. Across the European Union, unemployment stood at 5.90% in February 2026, compared to 6.00% a year earlier.

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Youth And Gender Disparities

Youth unemployment in the EU reached 15.30%, with 2,957,000 individuals under 25 recorded as unemployed. Female unemployment in the EU increased to 6.10% in February from 6.00% in January, while the male rate remained at 5.70%. Similar trends were observed in the euro area.

Conclusion: A Mixed Economic Landscape

Monthly data show an increase in the number of unemployed by 137,000 in the EU and 93,000 in the euro area. Annual figures indicate a decline in unemployment rates, while Cyprus maintains a lower level compared to EU and euro area averages.