Ministry of Education and Science: call for applied research and development commissioned by business, with the state covering up to 65% of a university or research institution project, apply by 20 November

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has announced a competitive selection process for joint applied research and experimental development commissioned by business entities. The initiative operates under an experimental project framework approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, aiming to bridge the gap between academic institutions and the commercial sector through targeted technology transfers.

State funding covers a significant portion of the total project expenditure, offering up to 65% for partnerships with small enterprises, up to 60% with medium enterprises, and up to 50% with large enterprises. The remaining costs must be co-funded by the participating business initiator, with funded project activities lasting up to 18 months.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the designated state platform. The deadline for submitting all required documents and proposals is 17:00 on 20 November 2026.

What is funded

Funding supports joint applied scientific research and experimental scientific and technical development tailored to the concrete operational and technological needs of commercial enterprises. The overarching objective is to commercialize research outputs, integrate advanced technologies into existing manufacturing lines, and build long-term trilateral partnerships between science, business, and the state.

The competition targets several national priority directions, including technological modernization and development in national security and defense, advanced energy transportation and alternative energy sources, and high-tech transport systems encompassing aerospace, aviation, shipbuilding, and defense equipment. Support also covers modern materials production, advanced agro-industrial technologies, medical and pharmaceutical innovations, cleaner manufacturing solutions, environmental protection, information technologies, and robotics.

Who can apply

The call is structured around partnerships between research performers and commercial initiators. Eligible performers are state higher education institutions and state research organizations that have successfully passed mandatory state certification in accordance with national legislation.

Eligible initiators are small, medium, or large business enterprises operating in Ukraine. These commercial entities define the technological challenge, set the practical terms of reference, and commit to providing the required co-funding share according to their enterprise size.

Conditions and requirements

Applicants can choose between two participation tracks depending on whether an established partnership already exists. Under the first track, certified research bodies without an existing commercial partner can apply to fulfill pre-approved technical tasks submitted by businesses and officially ratified by the ministry. Under the second track, research institutions and enterprise partners may submit a joint proposal based on a independently formulated topic and terms of reference aligned with the priority areas.

Projects require formal commitment to co-financing, validated by a co-funding confirmation certificate from the business initiator. The maximum duration of supported development projects is 18 months, during which practical development must proceed according to the agreed technical assignment.

How to apply

Applications must be prepared and filed through the unified electronic NAUKA system by the designated project leader. The manager must log into the portal, request access to the project manager office, and verify institutional affiliation under the current year’s profile. If an institution is not listed, its authorized representatives must submit an accession application before the proposal can proceed.

Practical tip. Ensure that all participating research team members are added to the proposal well ahead of the deadline, as the system requires each individual contributor to confirm their participation digitally before the application can be forwarded for institutional sign-off with a qualified electronic signature.

Once all internal approvals and team confirmations are completed in the portal, the application must be signed using a qualified electronic signature (QES) and officially transmitted to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine by the institution’s designated officer before the deadline.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: nauka.gov.ua.