RESTART Program Budget Increases to €308.4 Million – New €1.5 Million Scheme for Cybersecurity Launched
The State Aid Control Commissioner Approved the Modification of the Research and Innovation Foundation's Program, Featuring a Budget Increase, a New Fast Track Innovation Program, and an Extension of Funding Approvals Until June 2027.
The State Aid Control Commissioner has approved modifications to the Research and Innovation Foundation’s (RIF) RESTART 2016–2020 program, maintaining the multi-year state aid framework for research, technological development, and innovation, which continues to operate via successive amendments and extensions.
The most significant change involves an increase in the program's total budget from €306.9 million to €308.4 million. Additionally, the inclusion of a new scheme titled "Fast Track Innovation (FTI) for Innovative Products/Services" was approved for the cybersecurity sector, carrying a dedicated budget of €1.5 million. The corresponding call for proposals is expected to be published during the second half of 2026.
Concurrently, the decision extends the final deadline for allocating project funding decisions until June 30, 2027, and updates the standardized simplified cost options regarding personnel remuneration for projects funded through the framework.
RESTART serves as Cyprus's foundational funding framework for research, technological development, and innovation initiatives, co-financed by national and European funds. Eligible participants include research organizations, universities, business enterprises, scientific and professional bodies, public services, utilities, non-governmental organizations, as well as individuals such as researchers, academics, scientists, technical staff, and students.
The program aims to foster research and innovation, bolster the competitiveness of the Cypriot economy, and tackle economic and social challenges within the strategic scope of the Smart Specialization Strategy 2023–2030, the Cohesion Policy Program "THALIA 2021–2027," and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan "Cyprus of Tomorrow."
In her decision, the Commissioner points out that the modified program remains fully compatible with EU Regulation 651/2014, which permits specific categories of state aid without prior notification to the European Commission.
Regarding the new Fast Track Innovation program specifically, a key prerequisite mandates that it will exclusively fund experimental development activities as defined by European regulations. The decision clarifies that funding cannot cover commercial manufacturing, commercial exploitation, or placing products on the market, while projects must target high-maturity technologies (Technology Readiness Levels – TRL 6 and above).
With this fresh approval, the Research and Innovation Foundation can seamlessly continue deploying the expanded budget, roll out the upcoming cybersecurity initiative, and sustain funding approvals for research and innovation projects through June 2027.
