Open Calls

SpaceBIC Cyprus Opens Applications For Space-tech Startups

The ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence (CoE), with support and funding from the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy (DMRID), has opened applications to the SpaceBIC Cyprus incubation programme. The incubator  aims to back early-stage teams using satellite data, space technologies, or geoinformation services to target societal and market needs.

The total incubation period for selected participants at Space BIC by ERATOSTHENES CoE will take place over 48 months, divided into two scheduled cycles. The first cycle will last from 17th December 2025 until 17th December 2027. The second cycle will be announced at a later date.

Who should apply

SpaceBIC is open to:

  • Startups, SMEs, or individual entrepreneurs legally established in areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus, or planning to establish operations there.
  • Newly established companies or new (less than a year old)
  • All proposed solutions must show a clear space connection: downstream (EO, sat-nav, sat-com, tech transfer), upstream (launchers, satellites, ground systems, human spaceflight), or geoinformation services, plus a viable business case with market potential.

Benefits

  • €50,000 non-equity funding (De Minimis).
  • 24 months of structured incubation at ERATOSTHENES CoE (Limassol), with remote support as needed.
  • Dedicated workspace, infrastructure & equipment access for prototyping/small-scale production.
  • Technical support via RTO/university labs; hands-on expert mentoring and training.
  • Market access & networking with corporates, investors, and international partners.
  • Help navigating R&D/innovation calls and funding pathways (angels, VCs, banks).

How to apply

  1. Check your eligibility. 
  2. Contact the Space BIC by ERATOSTHENES CoE team to help determine if your business idea is suitable for incubation, elaborate on the requirements for applicants, and provide more information about the incubation program.
  3. Download the Application Pack from the SpaceBIC site.
  4. Prepare and submit the required documents:
    • Business Plan (≤25 pages) and Incubation Proposal (≤25 pages)
    • Cover Letter & Requirements Checklist, Space-Connection Self-Assessment, De Minimis Declaration
    • CVs of key team members (1 page each)
    • Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable)
    • Optional: Letters of Support/MoUs
    • Excel pack: SWOT, risk assessment, P&L, incubation timeline, and funding tasks.
  5. Evaluation: Initial compliance check → presentation/interview → scoring by an evaluation committee using predefined criteria and weights.

First round of applications deadline: 15th October 2025

SpaceBIC selects at least two startups per 24-month incubation cycle.

Contact: info@spacebic.cy or 25002908 for questions and queries. 

RIF Launches €500,000 BRIDGE2HORIZON Call To Help Cypriot Consortia Leaders Prepare For Horizon Europe 

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.

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.

Uol
eCredo
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Aretilaw firm

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter