Deadline: 29-May-2026
The BRIDGE2HORIZON programme supports Cypriot research and innovation institutions in strengthening collaboration, scientific excellence, and participation in Horizon Europe and other European research initiatives. Although the €500,000 total budget is already exhausted, the programme offered funding of up to €100,000 per project to help research organizations, companies, and other entities build stronger partnerships and improve leadership in European collaborative research networks.
About the Programme
The BRIDGE2HORIZON programme was designed to strengthen the role of Cypriot research and innovation (R&I) institutions in European research cooperation. Its main aim is to improve the ability of local institutions to participate more actively and strategically in Horizon Europe, especially in collaborative projects under Pillar II – Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness and the European Missions.
The programme also supports better coordination between research organizations and businesses, helping Cypriot institutions increase their scientific impact and strengthen their presence in pan-European research networks.
Main Objectives
The programme focuses on:
- Strengthening the capacities of Cypriot R&I institutions
- Promoting scientific excellence in areas aligned with the Smart Specialization Strategy (SSS) for Cyprus 2023–2030
- Addressing EU thematic priorities and challenges under Horizon Europe Work Programmes
- Increasing the coordination of collaborative European research projects
- Enhancing the leadership of Cypriot institutions in pan-European cooperation networks
- Supporting participation in Horizon Europe Pillar II
- Encouraging engagement in the European Missions
Funding Information
The programme had:
- Total budget: €500,000
- Maximum funding per project: €100,000
However, it is important to note that:
- The programme budget is currently exhausted
This means the call may no longer be accepting new applications unless additional funding is announced or the programme reopens.
Funding Source
The programme is:
- Co-financed by the Republic of Cyprus
- Supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
It is implemented under the:
- Operational Programme “THALYA” 2021–2027
Who Could Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Research organizations
- Companies
- Other entities
In addition, the programme allows:
- Research organizations
- Businesses
- Other bodies
to participate as collaborating bodies within project networks.
Collaboration Requirement
A key requirement is that each collaboration network must include:
- At least one enterprise (Category B)
- At least one research organization (Category A)
This makes the programme especially relevant for applicants building cross-sector partnerships between academia and industry.
Submission Process
Applications must be submitted through:
- The IRIS portal
Applicants were expected to prepare proposals aligned with the programme’s objectives and the wider European research and innovation priorities.
Partnership Support Tools
To help applicants form strong consortia, HRIF provides support tools such as:
- MatchMe Program
- RIF Partner Search tool
These tools are intended to help research organizations and businesses connect more efficiently and build collaborative project networks.
Why This Programme Matters
Even though the budget is exhausted, BRIDGE2HORIZON is a strategically important initiative because it helps Cypriot institutions become more competitive in the European research landscape.
Its emphasis on:
- Research-business collaboration
- Horizon Europe readiness
- Scientific excellence
- Leadership in international consortia
makes it highly relevant for organizations aiming to strengthen their role in European funding opportunities.
Important Note for Applicants
Since the €500,000 budget has already been exhausted, interested applicants should:
- Check whether the programme has reopened
- Monitor for future rounds or additional funding
- Use available partnership tools to prepare for upcoming calls
- Explore similar opportunities under Horizon Europe or related national support schemes
Quick Tips for Future Applicants
If the programme reopens, strong proposals will likely:
- Align clearly with the Smart Specialization Strategy (SSS) for Cyprus 2023–2030
- Address priorities under Horizon Europe
- Show strong research-business collaboration
- Include the required Category A and Category B partners
- Demonstrate potential to increase Cypriot leadership in European consortia
- Focus on long-term participation in Pillar II and European Missions
FAQs
1. What is the BRIDGE2HORIZON programme?
It is a funding programme designed to strengthen the capacity of Cypriot research and innovation institutions to participate in European collaborative research projects, especially under Horizon Europe.
2. How much funding was available?
The programme had a total budget of €500,000, with up to €100,000 per project.
3. Is the programme still open?
The information provided states that the budget is exhausted, so the current funding allocation has been fully used.
4. Who was eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants included research organizations, companies, and other entities, with collaborative participation also open to research organizations, businesses, and other bodies.
5. What is the consortium requirement?
Each project network had to include at least:
- One enterprise (Category B)
- One research organization (Category A)
6. Where were applications submitted?
Applications had to be submitted through the IRIS portal.
7. Are there tools to help find partners?
Yes. HRIF offers the MatchMe Program and the RIF Partner Search tool to support partnership building.
Conclusion
The BRIDGE2HORIZON programme is an important support mechanism for strengthening the international competitiveness of Cypriot research and innovation institutions. Although the current €500,000 budget is exhausted, the programme’s structure—offering up to €100,000 per project and encouraging strong research-business collaboration—makes it a valuable model for boosting participation in Horizon Europe and other EU research frameworks. Interested organizations should continue monitoring for future rounds, additional funding, or similar partnership-building opportunities that can help them prepare for and lead European collaborative research projects.
For more information, visit HRIF.
