According to him, the main goal of the project is to improve the quality of scientific research and adapt educational programs to the labor market requirements.
The key areas of the initiative include enhancing the relevance of educational and research programs, as well as modernizing university infrastructure.
Both teachers and researchers from public and private educational institutions in the country are invited to participate.
Particular attention will be given to projects led by women, as well as those that include female students and representatives of socially vulnerable groups.
- The maximum grant amount is up to $200,000.
- The duration of project implementation can reach 36 months.
Some expenses, such as construction, salaries, scholarships, and transportation purchases, are not allowed.
- Brief applications (stage 1) must be submitted by midnight on April 8, 2026.
- Full applications (stage 2) must be submitted by midnight on July 30, 2026.
The KIVO project aims to develop higher education in Kyrgyzstan by stimulating scientific research and innovative activities in universities.
Within the framework of the program, initiatives to establish research and innovation centers based at five universities with special status are supported, as well as the formation of an academic innovation fund to support inter-university research in priority sectors of the economy and improve accreditation and quality assurance systems in universities.
The first round of the AIF grant competition was announced as part of the KIVO project in the summer of 2025.
As noted by Rasual Abazbek uulu, Director of the KIVO OP, 38 universities, both private and public, submitted applications in the first round. A total of 196 projects were proposed, of which 59 percent are under detailed review. Support is expected to be provided to up to eight of them, as the requirements are very high.
Earlier, it was reported about the launch of a systemic reform of higher education in Kyrgyzstan.
The project budget of $25 million was approved by the Board of Directors of the World Bank on January 31 of last year. Implementation is carried out based on a financing agreement between Kyrgyzstan and the International Development Association, ratified on July 24, 2024.
The loan is provided on a zero-interest basis for 50 years with a 10-year grace period.
