Deadline: 15-May-2026

The International Cooperation Grant Program offers funding up to €200,000 (or €250,000 for Egyptian-led projects) to support sustainable water management and advanced farming systems within the Nexus framework. Eligible projects focus on restoration of non-perennial watercourses and ICT-based pest/disease monitoring in farming, with funding disbursed based on progress reports and milestones.

The program prioritizes Egyptian research institutions, requiring Egyptian principal investigators to follow dual submission and eligibility procedures, while ensuring team contribution, conflict of interest management, and originality verification.

Program Overview

This initiative aims to promote sustainable water management and innovative agricultural practices by integrating:

• Water management in the Nexus: Protecting and restoring non-perennial watercourses, enhancing water allocation, and leveraging ecosystem functions in the Mediterranean
• Farming systems in the Nexus: Developing remote, non-invasive ICT monitoring and control systems to prevent disease and pest infestations

Funding Details

• Grant amount: Up to €200,000, or €250,000 if coordinated by an Egyptian partner
• Disbursement: In instalments based on approved progress reports
• Eligible costs:
  • Personnel incentives (max 25% of budget or 2,000,000 EGP)
  • Equipment and materials
  • Necessary services
  • Event-related expenses
  • Travel (max 20% or 1,000,000 EGP)
• Daily allowances: According to national regulations
• Indirect costs: Max 10% of direct costs (excluding equipment) or 150,000 EGP

Who Can Apply?

• Egyptian PhD holders affiliated with universities or research centres
• Applicants not currently principal investigators on more than two ongoing STDF projects or team members in three projects
• Private sector partners may participate with their own funding

Participation and Eligibility Requirements

• Dual submission:
  • Original proposal on PRIMA platform
  • Identical version submitted on STDF website for Egyptian PIs
• Team contributions:
  • PI and co-PI: ≥40% time contribution each
  • Any team member: ≤80% across projects
• Institutional affiliation: PI and co-PI must be from the same institution
• Project management: Single PI per project, with clearly defined Egyptian partner roles
• Conflict of interest: PIs cannot participate in multiple projects under the same call
• Document requirements: PDF format for plagiarism and originality checks

Key Features

• Encourages Mediterranean ecosystem restoration and innovative farming systems
• Supports research collaboration led by Egyptian institutions
• Funding covers a range of direct project costs, including personnel, equipment, and operational expenses
• Private sector engagement allowed under own funding
• Ensures compliance, transparency, and originality through structured submission and verification

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced water management practices in non-perennial watercourses
• Improved agricultural productivity and disease/pest control through ICT solutions
• Strengthened capacity of Egyptian research institutions
• High-quality, original, and impactful research projects with measurable results

FAQs

1. What is the maximum grant amount?
€200,000 for standard projects; €250,000 if coordinated by an Egyptian partner.

2. Who can serve as principal investigator?
Egyptian PhD holders affiliated with recognized research institutions.

3. Are private sector entities eligible?
Yes, but they must contribute their own funding.

4. What are the submission requirements for Egyptian PIs?
Submit identical proposals on PRIMA and STDF platforms.

5. Are there time contribution requirements?
PI and co-PI must contribute ≥40% each; team members ≤80% across projects.

6. What costs are eligible?
Personnel, equipment, services, events, travel, and daily allowances within specified caps.

7. How is originality ensured?
All proposals must be PDFs to allow plagiarism and originality verification.

Final Takeaway

The International Cooperation Grant Program provides substantial funding for projects advancing sustainable water management and ICT-based farming systems. By ensuring Egyptian leadership, rigorous eligibility checks, and structured oversight, the program supports research that strengthens ecosystem resilience, agricultural innovation, and regional collaboration.

For more information, visit STDF.