The Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Innovations of Kyrgyzstan announces the start of the second stage of grants from the Academic Innovation Fund (AIF) within the framework of the KIVO project. This was announced by the Deputy Minister of Science, Education and Innovations Durus Kozoev at a press conference at the Kabar agency.
According to Kozoev, the main task of the project is to improve the quality of scientific research and adapt educational programs to the needs of the labor market. To achieve this goal, a center for research and innovation will be established, and a competition for the Academic Innovation Fund will be launched. He also highlighted three key areas of this project.
“The first area includes the modernization of university infrastructure and educational programs with an emphasis on improving their quality and relevance. Within this area, research and innovation centers will be created based on five universities — KGMA, KGTU, KNAU, KNU, and OshGU, which will receive special status. This implies the establishment of modern laboratories, new educational programs, expansion of international cooperation, implementation of digital technologies, and establishing direct links with industry. The second area is related to increasing the research and innovation potential of universities through the AIF. The third is strengthening the quality management system in higher education, which includes revising accreditation criteria and implementing modern self-assessment and external evaluation procedures,” explained Durus Kozoev.
The Deputy Minister added that applications for participation can be submitted by teachers and researchers from all universities in the country. Special attention will be given to projects led by women, as well as initiatives that involve female students and representatives of vulnerable groups.
The AIF offers grants of up to 200,000 US dollars for a period of up to 36 months. The application deadlines are as follows:
1st stage — until April 8, 2026, 24:00:
2nd stage — for submitting full applications until July 30, 2026, 24:00.
Detailed information and application forms can be found at the following link: https://egov.kg/ru/ministry/104/news/21044
