The program funds Egyptian companies developing research-based ICT products, with applications open through October 29, 2026

Egypt’s Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) has opened the 41st round of its Information Technology Academia Collaboration (ITAC) Collaborative Funded Projects (CFPs). The round offers companies funding of up to USD 98 thousand (EGP 5M) to turn technology concepts and prototypes into market-ready products.

Why You Should Care

ITAC sits at the intersection of Egypt’s technology and research ecosystems. Rather than funding technology development in isolation, the program is designed to connect ICT companies with researchers and academic institutions. Thus, it gives locally developed technologies a path from research to commercialization.

For Egyptian technology companies, that can mean access to research capabilities needed to develop products beyond the proof-of-concept stage. For universities and research centers, it creates a route for research to be applied to commercial products and services.

The Details

ITAC supports two types of Collaborative Funded Projects: Preliminary Research Projects (PRPs) and Product Development Projects (PDPs).

PRPs are intended to take an idea through the research stage and produce a proof-of-concept. Under the program’s funding structure, university faculty can lead one-year PRPs. The program offers funding of up to USD 13.7 thousand (EGP 700K) for projects expected to result in a startup and USD 6.9K (EGP 350K) for other projects. However, PRP applications are currently unavailable.

The active CFP Round 41 is accepting PDP proposals until October 29, 2026. PDPs are designed for projects that already have a proof-of-concept or prototype and need further development before reaching the market. Funding can reach USD 98 thousand (EGP 5M), with projects expected to be completed within 18 months.

The program defines a proof-of-concept as evidence that the proposed technology or methodology works. This can include published research, a patent, or promising preliminary results. A prototype is a functioning but potentially incomplete product.  It may still need additional research to improve its output, lack some features, or need customization for specific applications. Meanwhile, the final product should meet commercial specifications and be ready for market by the end of the PDP period.

Eligible proposals must fall within ITAC’s technology or strategic areas. The technology-trend areas include AI and machine learning, big data analytics, virtual and augmented reality, and cloud and quantum computing. Additionally, it includes blockchain, cybersecurity, and wireless technologies, robotics and hyper automation, IoT, electronics, and embedded systems. Meanwhile, strategic areas include ICT for health, agriculture, education, energy, transportation, disability services, and digital transformation.

Companies applying must be registered in ITIDA’s Companies Database. In addition, proposals must be led by a principal investigator with a strong research background capable of executing the proposed research plan.

The Ripple

The program’s model extends beyond individual projects. By requiring clear collaboration between industry and researchers, ITAC is designed to strengthen research capabilities inside companies while bringing universities and technology institutes closer to commercial technology development.

That could help expand the pipeline of Egyptian ICT products moving from academic or technical research into commercial applications. It also gives local companies a stronger role in research-led product development.

The program also targets technologies with applications across several strategic sectors. Thus, successful projects could extend beyond the ICT industry into areas such as healthcare, agriculture, energy, education, and transportation.

What to Watch

The immediate milestone is October 29, when PDP applications for CFP Round 41 close. The next signal will be which technologies and industry-academia collaborations emerge from the round, particularly across AI, cybersecurity, IoT, robotics, and digital transformation.

ITAC also holds WriteIT seminars and webinars ahead of new CFP rounds to address applicant questions and explain the program’s requirements.