This activity will finance matching-grants for sub-projects to (i) support later stages of research commercialization, (ii) R&D for SMEs, and (iii) early stages of knowledge-based startups. In addition to SMEs, potential beneficiaries will include projects that graduate from the RCP and require, for example, funding for large-scale prototyping, small-scale production for market testing; and, independent inventors with knowledge-intensive ideas that require funding to develop proof-of-concept and prototypes.
The BIRD program will encourage the submission of joint R&D projects from SMEs and between SMEs and PROs. It is expected to emphasize applied R&D projects and the development of proofs of concept and prototypes. The BIRD program will encourage applications (including from early stage enterprises) that have environment- and climate-friendly innovation potential, namely applications to achieve climate change mitigation or adaptation results as well as other areas related to existing societal challenges. This component may lead to forming a joint-stock company dedicated to the production of COVID-19 vaccines. Component 3 will provide TA for this decision by the GOU.
The BIRD program will also offer mentorship assistance in the form of ‘investment readiness’ activities to startup firms that graduate from the program. These activities provide individualized training, mentoring, and coaching, as well as facilitate the matching between potential candidates and prospective investors, helping entrepreneurs to overcome standard obstacles in obtaining external funding and know-how for business growth. Component 3 will support the design of a public co-investment fund to crowd-in this type of investment from the private sector. The implementation of this instrument, however, will depend on the existing demand throughout the project lifetime.
Learn more about the program with the manual here and video instruction on proposal submission here.