The Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) offers the Information Technology Academia Collaboration (ITAC) initiative, which provides funding for collaborative projects. This initiative is designed to support the transition of product concepts from the ideation phase through proof-of-concept and prototyping, culminating in a market-ready product. The program facilitates collaboration between ICT companies and Egyptian researchers, with clearly defined roles for the principal investigator and the company partner within each project proposal.
Program Objectives
• To support the development of research-based, ICT-enabled products and services that enhance the global positioning of Egyptian companies.
• To cultivate and develop research capabilities within local companies.
• To foster connections between industry entities and scientific research institutes.
• To unlock the research potential within local universities and technology institutes.
Project Categories and Funding
• Preliminary Research Projects (PRPs): These projects aim to convert ideas into a proof-of-concept. University faculty members are eligible to apply for these one-year projects. Funding is capped at EGP 700,000 for projects that result in a startup and EGP 350,000 for other projects.
• Product Development Projects (PDPs): This category funds the transformation of a proof-of-concept or prototype into a product ready for the market. Companies with internal research teams capable of fulfilling the role of a research institute can apply. The project duration is up to one and a half years, with available funding of up to EGP 5,000,000.
• Funding Conditions: Specific conditions apply to all funding. For detailed information, please contact the ITAC team at ITACCFP@itida.gov.eg.
Project Stage Definitions
• Proof-of-Concept: Defined as solid work published by the applicants in a journal, a patent owned by the applicants, or promising preliminary results of the proposed research or methodology.
• Prototype: A working, but not necessarily complete, product. It may require additional research to improve its output, lack certain features, or need customization for specific applications.
• Final Product: A product that satisfies all specifications of a commercial product and is ready to be brought to market by the end of the PDP period.
Focus Areas
• Technology-Trend Areas: Artificial intelligence and machine learning, big data analytics, virtual and augmented reality, cloud computing, quantum computing, blockchain, wireless and cybersecurity, hyper automation and robotics, internet of things (IoT), electronics, and embedded systems.
• Strategic Areas: ICT for Health, ICT for Agriculture, ICT for the Disabled, ICT for Education, ICT for Energy, ICT for Transportation, and Digital Transformation (DX).
Eligibility Criteria
• The participating company must be registered in the ITIDA Companies Database.
• The proposal must be led by a principal investigator (PI) who possesses an outstanding research profile and can effectively execute the proposed research plan.
• Proposals should be submitted only once; duplicate submissions will not be considered, and only the most updated version will be kept.
Application Process and Timeline
• Submission Windows: ITAC accepts proposals during specific rounds announced throughout the year on its webpage. Applicants must submit full proposals before the deadlines for each project category.
• Preparatory Events: ITAC schedules 'WriteIT' seminars and webinars for candidates before submission windows open to address stakeholder queries and provide briefings on the program.
• CFP Round 41 Agenda (2026):
- Submission Opens: Tuesday, September 1st, 2026.
- Submission Closes: Thursday, October 29, 2026.
- PDP Submission Deadline: Thursday, October 29, 2026.
- PRP Funding Applications: Submissions are temporarily unavailable. Please monitor the official channels for updates on reopening.
Available Resources
• Guides and Templates: Applicant's Guide, Proposal Template, Funded Projects Guide, Company Profile, Team Profile, Financial Guidelines, Budget Template, and ITAC-Expected Key Success Indicators.
• Reports and Presentations: A list of Collaborative Funded Projects (R1 - R37) and the ITAC Awareness Brief are available.
• Newsletters: 22 issues of the ICT R&D Newsletter are accessible for review.
Contact Information
• For general inquiries, please send an email to: itac@itida.gov.eg.
The ITAC Collaborative Funded Projects program represents a significant opportunity for advancing research and development within Egypt's ICT sector. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, it aims to accelerate innovation and help bring new technology products to the commercial market. Interested companies and researchers are encouraged to review the detailed guidelines and prepare for the upcoming application rounds.