Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic
ANNOUNCES A COMPETITION FOR GRANTS
ACADEMIC INNOVATION FOUNDATION
Within the framework of the Quality and Innovation in Higher Education (QIVO) project, the first round of the Academic Innovation Fund (AIF) grant competition is being announced to finance innovative academic and research projects aimed at increasing the research potential of universities in any discipline and strengthening cooperation between universities and economic sectors.
The KIVO project is aimed at improving the quality of higher education in the Kyrgyz Republic by stimulating research and innovation in universities. The project supports initiatives such as the creation of Innovation and Research Centers based on five universities with a special status, the creation of an Academic Innovation Fund to support interuniversity research activities in priority sectors of the economy, as well as improving quality assurance and university accreditation systems.
The purpose of the Academic Innovation Fund is to promote the development of innovation and the scientific and educational potential of university teachers and researchers, regardless of the form of ownership and departmental subordination, through the provision of grants for research and academic development.
Maximum grant amount: up to 200,000 USD
Maximum project duration: up to 36 months
Unacceptable expenses: construction, salary, scholarship, purchase of transport
Basic requirements for grant applications:
- - compliance with the priority directions of the country's development laid down in the National Development Program of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2030, approved by Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 178 dated 06/05/2025,
- - a clear description of the research project implementation plan and/or measures for the academic development of the educational program,
- - modernization of existing or creation of new academic programs (full-cycle and/or short-term courses) based on real demand,
- - integration of ICT and digital technologies into education, interdisciplinary approaches.
Expected results from AIF grant support (except for project-specific indicators):
- Preparation of a research product or provision of research results demonstrating the achievements of the project.
- Development or modernization of an academic program, followed by obtaining a license (when creating a new program) or accreditation in accordance with established requirements.
- Preparation and publication of scientific articles on relevant research areas that contribute to the development of academic knowledge.
- Creation of new partnerships and establishment of cooperation with other universities, enterprises and stakeholders, officially confirmed by the conclusion of Memoranda of Cooperation.
WHO CAN APPLY:
Current teachers and researchers in any discipline from public and private universities of the Kyrgyz Republic.
With the same number of points, preference is given to applications headed by women, including female students, and involving representatives of socially vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
STAGE 1: Submission of short project ideas (concepts)
Deadline for submission: August 14, 2025 until 24:00
The application form for a brief description of the project idea is provided in Appendix 1 of the AIF Grant Program Implementation Guide, which can be obtained on the MNOI website. https://minnauka.gov.kg/?page_id=2387
Informational meetings about the grant program for all interested teachers, researchers and university students/undergraduates:
July 16 at 11:00 a.m. - KSTU BASE. Razzakova (66 Ch.Aitmatov Ave.)
July 18 at 11:00 a.m. - Conference Hall No. 1 of the I.K.Akhunbaev KSMA, 2nd floor (95 Akhunbaev St., A.)
July 22 at 11:00 a.m. - Balasagyn National Research University Base (547 Frunze St.)
Orientation seminars (offline and online) on July 28, August 1 and 7 (time and place to be specified) for interested university representatives to explain the application and selection process, recommendations for preparing a brief description of the project idea, and environmental and social requirements for grant projects. To participate, pre-registration for seminars is required by the end of the day on July 25 by e-mail [email protected] (specify the date of the seminar, full name, university and e-mail address for the invitation to the seminar)
Submitted applications (short project ideas) will be evaluated for compliance with the eligibility requirements, and selected applicants will be invited to the second stage.
STAGE 2: Preparation and submission of a detailed project proposal
Deadline for submission: October 23, 2025 until 24:00 hours
The form of the detailed project proposal is presented in Appendix 2 of the AIF Grant Program Implementation Guide, which can be obtained on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic. https://minnauka.gov.kg/?page_id=2387
For applicants of selected applications (short project ideas), the AIF Secretariat organizes a series of seminars to assist in preparing a detailed project proposal and completing the grant application form.
The information will also be available on the websites of universities, on the basis of which lectures are created:
o Kyrgyz State Technical University -
o Kyrgyz State Medical Academy - https://ksma.edu.kg/ru/media/adverts/competition-for-grants-academic-innovation-foundation
o Kyrgyz National University -
o Kyrgyz National Agrarian University
o Osh State University - https://www.oshsu.kg/kg/events/3432
Contacts for submitting applications and receiving consultations:
Email address: [email protected]
Working phone number: +996 312 317 016
Don't miss the chance to implement innovative ideas and contribute to the development of higher education in Kyrgyzstan!