CORNET 40th Call to Support Collective Research Projects for the needs of SMEs

The focus is on ensuring that project outcomes benefit groups of SMEs and are disseminated, with project topics determined by SME umbrella organizations based on need. SME umbrella organizations are expected to represent SMEs in specific fields, identify their needs, and ensure dissemination and publication of project outcomes. Exporters’ associations, chambers of commerce and industry, organized industrial zones, foundations, associations, their economic enterprises, and professional associations can serve as SME umbrella organizations. SME umbrella organizations can also become consortium partners in international applications. The user group, consisting of at least three SMEs, is expected to guide the project team’s work and increase project efficiency, while the international application must be completed by the SME umbrella organization and the research performer. The national application, however, must be submitted by higher education institutions, training and research hospitals, and public institutions covered by the Higher Education Law, as TÜBİTAK provides grant support only to these institutions.

The call allows projects with a maximum duration of 24 months and sets clear budget and funding rules. TÜBİTAK will support higher education institutions, training and research hospitals, and public institutions with a 100% support rate based on approved budgets. The maximum contribution is €180,000 per project per executing organization, with certain caps such as €125,000 for specific institutions. Travel support for domestic and international meetings and study visits is limited to TL 311,000 per executing organization. Expenses supported include those regulated by TÜBİTAK’s financial and administrative principles, although consultancy and service procurement from international project partners is not supported.

Applicants are required to comply fully with national rules to avoid rejection. Project teams may include managers, researchers, consultants, support staff, and scholars, all of whom must be registered in TÜBİTAK’s Researcher Information System (ARBİS). The monitoring process involves progress reports submitted during the project and a final report within two months of completion, with dissemination and intellectual property rules strictly applied.

For more information, visit TÜBİTAK.