Second Call for Proposals
Short and Medium-term projects

Les Assises de la Recherche et de l'innovation, ARI 2022, was a platform that initiated a national dialogue and provided a conducive framework for policy revamping while concurrently providing insights on emerging and frontier innovations. The aim of ARI 2022 was to set the foundations for the development of a National Roadmap for Research and Innovation. Overall, the National Roadmap for Research and Innovation consists of a total of 375 projects spread across numerous actions and spanning through 7 thematic areas and the strategic plan of the MRIC. 

 

A 1st Call for Proposals for the implementation of short-term priority projects was completed and under this spefic call, 31 projects were approved out of which 29 projects are currently ongoing. A 2nd Call for Proposals was launched on Friday 1st September 2023 for the implementation of short-term and medium-term priority projects. The deadline for submission of applications was Monday 16th October 2023 at 15hrs. The Call for Proposals was channelled through the Smart Innovation Support Mechanism.  

 

The maximum amount to be funded, per short-term project, was restricted to MUR 1 million over a maximum duration of 1 year, while for medium-term project, the maximum amount to be funded was restricted to MUR 2 million over a maximum duration of 2 years.  

 

As a result of this 2nd Call for Proposals, the MRIC received a total of 107 applications. The total value of these projects was MUR 307.1 M and the amount being requested from the MRIC was MUR 154.9 M.  

 

All applications underwent an administrative screening including a due diligence check and a similarity index check. Seven Thematic Evaluation Panels were set up. The members for each panel evaluated and shortlisted applications for a pitch session. Following the pitch sessions, panel members made their recommendations to the Board of the MRIC on the applications to be considered for funding.   

 

In December 2023, the Board of the MRIC approved 26 projects. As at 12th February 2024,  

• 15 contractual agreements have been signed. 

• 2 projects have been put in abeyance. 

• 1 project has been withdrawn by the company. 

• Other contractual agreements are in process of signature.