Cyprus Initiates €306.9M RESTART Program Spanning 2016-2020
The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) is the implementing authority for the RESTART 2016-2020 Program, which includes the AI in Government Program. This program aims to develop innovative solutions using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address specific challenges faced by public authorities, driving state modernization and digital transformation in the public sector.
The AI in Government Program, initially approved within the RESTART 2016-2020 Program, has recently seen an extension of its implementation period until December 31, 2026. The program is funded by the RESTART 2016-2020 Program, but the exact budget for the AI in Government Program has not been specified.
The program focuses on leveraging AI to improve public sector services, initially targeting challenges such as an early warning system for extreme weather events and agrometeorological support for agriculture. It is addressed to Cypriot businesses and other entities capable of developing AI solutions relevant to public sector challenges.
The eligibility criteria for the AI in Government Program include research organizations, higher education institutions, scientific and professional associations, businesses and business associations, non-governmental organizations, public services and utility organizations, individuals, and students.
It's worth noting that the total measure budget for the RESTART 2016-2020 Program remains €306,900,000. State Aid Control Commissioner Stella Michailidou recently issued a decision regarding a State Aid Measure related to the RESTART 2016-2020 Program.
The AI in Government Program was confirmed by State Aid Control Commissioner Stella Michailidou, and the new decision, No. 471, regarding the AI in Government Program will be published on the website of the Office of the State Aid Control Commissioner.
Sources: 1. Official Announcement of the AI in Government Program 2. RESTART 2016-2020 Program Overview 3. State Aid Measure Decision No. 462 4. State Aid Measure Decision No. 471 5. RESTART 2016-2020 Program Budget Announcement
- The AI in Government Program is a part of the RESTART 2016-2020 Program, which is executed by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF).
- The aim of the AI in Government Program, addressing public sector challenges through Artificial Intelligence (AI), is focused on Cypriot businesses and other suitable entities for AI solution development.
- Eligibility for the AI in Government Program encompasses research organizations, higher education institutions, scientific and professional associations, businesses and business associations, non-governmental organizations, public services and utility organizations, individuals, and students.
- State Aid Control Commissioner Stella Michailidou has confirmed the AI in Government Program and published a new decision, No. 471, regarding the program on the Office of the State Aid Control Commissioner's website.
