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Unlock the full potential of your commercialization endeavors

Our Application Process

How to Apply

We invite academic teams dedicated to transforming their research into innovative solutions that address global challenges to apply for our 4th Call for Applications. If you’re ready to expand your impact, apply to the Cyprus Seeds program by following the steps below:

  1. Read the Terms and Conditions to ensure your eligibility.
  2. Register on the Babele Platform by clicking here. Complete the sign-up process before
    submitting your application.
  3. Fill out and submit your application on the platform after registration.

Key Dates for the 4th Call for Applications:

  • Application Deadline: November 3, 2024 before 17:00.
  • Interview Notifications for Shortlisted Teams: Early January 2025
  • Interviews with Shortlisted Teams: Mid-January 2025
  • Grantee Announcement: End of January 2025
  • Program Start: February 2025
Discover the planned activities for the 4th Cycle grantees in the indicative timeline available here.
 
For additional information reach out to:

Margarita Kyprianou
Innovation Manager
Cyprus Seeds
[email protected], 
22 364 522

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Applicants must be teams from private or public research organizations based in Cyprus, including universities, research institutions, and Centres of Excellence.
  2. Each team must include at least a Principal Investigator and a Champion (either a Post-Doc, PhD candidate, or MS student nearing thesis completion).
  3. Projects from any industry sector or technological field are eligible.
  4. The team must submit the Invention Disclosure Form (IDF) to the Technology Transfer/Innovation Office of their hosting institution for review.
  5. The Principal Investigator must formally acknowledge the intellectual property and spin-off policies of Cyprus Seeds.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  1. Global Economic, Environmental, and Social Impact Potential
  2. Market Need/Fit
  3. Scientific Merit
  4. Commercialization Strategy
  5. Project Team

Priority will be given to projects that:

  1. Address climate change and environmental protection.
  2. Can demonstrate technology maturity
  3. Applied to receive the services from the Central Knowledge Transfer Office of the Research and Innovation Foundation.
  4. Receive co-funding from the Hosting Institution.

Evaluation Process

The applications which meet the eligibility criteria will be reviewed by international evaluators.

Each application will be reviewed by a minimum of two non-Cyprus-based experienced evaluators with a relevant scientific and business background.

Shortlisted teams will be invited to the next step of the evaluation process, which is a 30-minute interview with a committee of international experts. A pitch deck will be requested to be submitted before the interview date.

Terms and Conditions

Please ensure you read the full Terms and Conditions before completing and submitting your application.

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Apply Now

Application

Interested in applying to our call? Simply register on the Babele Platform by clicking here, complete the sign-up process, fill out your application, and submit it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still looking for answers? Find below further information on Cyprus Seeds and its unique program.

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Is Cyprus Seeds part of a university or research institution?
Cyprus Seeds is registered as a not-for-profit private entity. It is an independent organization that aims to support innovative academic research.
Does the research project have to be based in Cyprus?
Yes. Cyprus Seeds contributes to strengthening the economic conditions in Cyprus and creating promising jobs.
Do I have to be Cypriot to participate in the Cyprus Seeds competition?

No. Nationality does not play a role–provided that you have the necessary work permits and plan to establish your company in Cyprus

Does Cyprus Seeds place a premium on applications where consortiums are in place?

A consortium is an association of several companies. Unlike other funding programmes, Cyprus Seeds is not placing a premium on applications where consortiums are in place.

Is funding from my host institution a requirement for participation in the Program?

No, though co-funding is recommended by Cyprus Seeds from the host institution, it is not a requirement for participation in the Program. Cyprus Seeds believes it is important for host institutions to be engaged in the commercialization process of their research groups. To this effect, Cyprus Seeds suggests that host institutions co-fund projects selected by Cyprus Seeds.

Does the host institution deduct overheads from the grant amount?

No. The host institution will not deduct overheads from the grant amount to be approved by Cyprus Seeds.

I am afraid that if I apply to Cyprus Seeds, my idea may be exposed to competitors. How can I protect my intellectual property?

A Non-Disclosure Agreement is signed by both the Evaluators and Mentors who offer services to the Cyprus Seeds Programme. Applications are shared with Evaluators and Mentors under confidence. The submissions do not constitute a public release.

 

How can I receive news about Cyprus Seeds?

You can send an email to [email protected] expressing your interest and you will be added to Cyprus Seeds’ contact list and its Newsletter Database.

What stage of technology maturity is eligible for application?
Projects at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or higher are eligible to apply. This means the project should have experimental proof of concept or be close to achieving this level of technological development.
Can researchers from non-Cypriot institutions be part of an academic team applying to Cyprus Seeds through a Cypriot hosting institution?
Yes, researchers from non-Cypriot institutions can participate in the team applying to the Cyprus Seeds Program. However, they are not eligible to hold the positions of Principal Investigator (PI) or Champion.
How can a hosting institution co-fund the Cyprus Seeds project?
Co-funding from hosting institutions can include, among others, contributions such as providing consumables and equipment for the research team, travel grants for networking events abroad, or any other support that aids in the project's commercialization development.
What should I do if my hosting institution does not have a Technology Transfer Office (TTO)?
If your institution does not have a Technology Transfer or Innovation Office, the institution's legal representative can sign an acknowledgment letter confirming awareness of the proposal being submitted to Cyprus Seeds.
Are startups eligible to apply?
Only research teams from research organizations in Cyprus, such as universities, research institutions, and Centers of Excellence, are eligible to apply. Startups, are not eligible to apply directly.
What is the difference between the pre-seed grant provided by the Research and Innovation Foundation and the Cyprus Seeds grant?

The Cyprus Seeds grant offers up to €30,000, while the Research and Innovation Foundation’s pre-seed grant can go up to €119,000. However, Cyprus Seeds provides more than financial support; it also offers mentoring from international experts experienced in research commercialization, entrepreneurial training, networking opportunities, and access to investors, industry leaders, and accelerators.

Finally, the Cyprus Seeds Program is exclusively for academic teams from research organizations in Cyprus, while the pre-seed grant is open to startups and teams aiming to establish a startup.