Call for Proposals for short-term priority Assises projects

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 Call for Proposals, the Innovation Boost Grant, was launched in March 2023 for the implementation of short-term priority projects emanating from Les Assises de la Recherche et de l’Innovation and outlined in the National Roadmap for Research and Innovation. 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.

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As a result of this Call for Proposals, the MRIC received a total of 130 applications. The total value of these projects is MUR 340 M and the amount being requested from the MRIC was MUR 113 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 on the applications to be considered for funding.  

Figure: Number of applications received and approved by thematic area