Top 15 Government Grants for Startups in Cyprus in 2025

Top 15 Government Grants for Startups in Cyprus in 2025

Cyprus is emerging as a vibrant hub for innovation, offering a variety of government grants to support startups.

These grants are designed to foster innovation, sustainability, and economic growth without requiring founders to give up equity.

Below is a detailed guide to the top 15 government grants available in 2025, including eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and application deadlines.

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1. Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) Grants

Funding Amount: Up to 85% of the invested capital.
Eligibility: Startups and SMEs engaged in research, technological development, and innovation.
Benefits: Covers R&D costs, including salaries, equipment, and subcontractor fees.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
Official Website: RIF Grants

2. Industry and Technology Service Grants

Funding Amount: Varies by program.
Eligibility: SMEs in manufacturing, women’s entrepreneurship, youth entrepreneurship, and agricultural development.
Benefits: Supports competitiveness, innovation, and investment in key sectors.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
Official Website: Industry and Technology Service

3. Cyprus Startup Visa Program

Funding Amount: Non-financial support, including residency permits for founders and key employees.
Eligibility: Non-EU entrepreneurs with a viable business plan and proof of financial capacity.
Benefits: Allows startups to establish and operate in Cyprus with access to EU markets.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
Official Website: Cyprus Startup Visa

4. EIC Accelerator

Funding Amount: Grants up to €2.5 million and equity investments up to €10 million.
Eligibility: Startups and SMEs with innovative products or services.
Benefits: Supports high-risk innovations with market disruption potential.
Application Deadline: Full application deadlines on March 12, 2025, and October 1, 2025.
Official Website: EIC Accelerator

5. EIC Pathfinder

Funding Amount: Grants up to €4 million.
Eligibility: Research teams working on visionary, multi-disciplinary research projects.
Benefits: Funds breakthrough research with high potential for innovation.
Application Deadline: Check the EIC Pathfinder page for specific deadlines.
Official Website: EIC Pathfinder

6. EIC Transition

Funding Amount: Grants up to €2.5 million.
Eligibility: Projects transitioning research results into market-ready innovations.
Benefits: Bridges the gap between research and commercialization.
Application Deadline: Check the EIC Transition page for specific deadlines.
Official Website: EIC Transition

7. Horizon Europe – Digital Europe Programme

Funding Amount: Varies by project.
Eligibility: SMEs and startups working on AI, cybersecurity, and advanced digital skills.
Benefits: Accelerates Europe’s digital transformation.
Application Deadline: Check the Digital Europe Programme page for deadlines.
Official Website: Digital Europe Programme

8. Horizon Europe – Innovation Fund

Funding Amount: Varies by project.
Eligibility: Startups and SMEs working on climate-neutral solutions.
Benefits: Supports the deployment of innovative net-zero technologies.
Application Deadline: Check the Innovation Fund page for deadlines.
Official Website: Innovation Fund

9. EIC Challenges 2025

Funding Amount: €50 million per challenge.
Eligibility: Startups and SMEs working on advanced materials, low-emission food systems, generative AI, space tech, and future mobility.
Benefits: Focuses on key areas of technological advancement.
Application Deadline: Check the EIC Challenges page for deadlines.
Official Website: EIC Challenges

10. EIC Business Acceleration Services (BAS)

Funding Amount: Non-financial support, including coaching, mentoring, and access to global partners.
Eligibility: Startups and SMEs funded under EIC programs.
Benefits: Provides tailored support to accelerate growth.
Application Deadline: Continuous access for eligible companies.
Official Website: EIC BAS

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11. EIC STEP Scale-Up

Funding Amount: €10 to €30 million per company.
Eligibility: SMEs and small mid-caps (up to 499 employees) in strategic technology sectors.
Benefits: Equity investments to scale up innovations in digital, clean, and biotechnologies.
Application Deadline: Applications accepted anytime via the Funding & Tenders Portal.
Official Website: EIC STEP Scale-Up

12. EIC Scaling Club

Funding Amount: Networking and funding opportunities.
Eligibility: Deep tech scale-ups supported by the EIC.
Benefits: Provides access to exclusive funding and networking opportunities.
Application Deadline: Check the EIC Scaling Club page for deadlines.
Official Website: EIC Scaling Club

13. EIC Pathfinder Challenges

Funding Amount: Budget of €120 million in 2025.
Eligibility: Research teams working on emerging technologies like autonomous construction robots and climate-resilient crops.
Benefits: Funds cutting-edge research in emerging technologies.
Application Deadline: Check the EIC Pathfinder Challenges page for deadlines.
Official Website: EIC Pathfinder Challenges

14. EIC Transition Challenges

Funding Amount: Budget of €98 million in 2025.
Eligibility: Projects transitioning research results into market-ready innovations.
Benefits: Supports the commercialization of innovative technologies.
Application Deadline: Check the EIC Transition Challenges page for deadlines.
Official Website: EIC Transition Challenges

15. EIC STEP Seal

Funding Amount: Non-financial recognition.
Eligibility: Projects meeting evaluation thresholds in STEP calls.
Benefits: Provides recognition and access to additional funding opportunities.
Application Deadline: Automatic for eligible projects.
Official Website: EIC STEP Seal

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Conclusion

Cyprus’s government grants for startups in 2025 provide a robust framework for innovation and growth.

From equity-free funding to low-interest loans, these programs cater to a wide range of industries and project sizes.

Startups are encouraged to explore these opportunities to accelerate their growth and contribute to Cyprus’s thriving innovation ecosystem.