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

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.

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.

The Rocks Project Advances Through Licensing Process In Pentakomo

Overview Of The Ambitious Development

A large tourism development in Pentakomo is moving through the licensing process. Known as The Rocks Project, the proposal includes a hotel, villas, apartments and a beach club along the coast east of Limassol.

Strategic Location And Broader Impact

Located along the coastal corridor between Limassol and Zygi, the project would form part of the wider Governor’s Beach area. The site is situated near several state and energy infrastructure facilities, including the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base in Mari, making it subject to additional planning and regulatory considerations.

Master Plan And Key Infrastructure

Situated within the administrative boundaries of Pentakomo, the development is planned for the coastal area of Argaki Tou Mavrou. The project is being promoted by DRL5COMOS Properties Ltd and is supported by an environmental impact assessment prepared by P. Nikolaidis & Associates Ltd. The assessment is available for public consultation until July 3, 2026.

According to the master plan, operations are expected to begin in 2029. Plans include a 14,000-square-metre hotel with 126 rooms, a 900-square-metre spa and wellness centre, restaurants and dining facilities, 26 villas, 73 apartments and penthouses, and a 1,050-square-metre beach club with indoor and outdoor leisure areas. Parking facilities for 240 vehicles are also included in the proposal.

Integration With The Existing Landscape

The development plan allocates 12% of the site to public green space and includes an internal road network. Project documents indicate that several existing structures, including the Kalymnos Fish Tavern and current beach facilities, would be demolished as part of the redevelopment.

Regulatory And Institutional Considerations

The licensing process is ongoing and includes consultations with relevant local and government authorities. Comments submitted by the Ministry of Defence have not been made public due to the site’s proximity to the naval base. Those observations are expected to be reviewed by the environmental impact assessment committee during closed sessions.

Conclusion

With its carefully structured vision and strategic positioning, The Rocks Project promises to be a significant catalyst for economic and social growth in eastern Limassol. As it advances through the regulatory process, stakeholders remain focused on ensuring that this landmark development meets the highest standards of design, sustainability, and community integration.

Uol
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
eCredo
Aretilaw firm

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