The competition is organized through the Academic Innovation Fund, which supports scientific and educational initiatives of universities. The total funding amount of the fund is $4 million.
Grants will be available to teachers and researchers from both public and private universities in Kyrgyzstan on a competitive basis. The evaluation of the submitted scientific projects will be conducted by independent experts.
One grant can be up to $200,000, and the duration of project implementation can be up to 36 months.
As emphasized by the ministry, the program aims to develop the scientific potential of universities, support innovative academic initiatives, and strengthen the connections between universities and various economic sectors.
Priority in funding will be given to projects aimed at solving social and economic issues, developing key industries, researching climate change, "green" economy, and regional scientific cooperation.
Special attention will be paid to the modernization of educational programs, the implementation of interdisciplinary approaches, the improvement of laboratory infrastructure, and the integration of digital technologies into the educational process.
Applications can be submitted by teachers and researchers from public and private universities in Kyrgyzstan. In case of a tie in scores, priority will be given to projects led by women, as well as those involving female students, representatives of socially vulnerable groups, and people with disabilities.
In the first stage of the competition, a brief project description must be submitted. Applications will be accepted until April 8, 2026 (inclusive) in Kyrgyz or Russian, with a mandatory translation into English.
The second stage, which includes the preparation of a detailed project proposal, will last until July 30.
Information online meetings and training workshops will be organized for competition participants, where the requirements for applications and the grant acquisition process will be explained.
