Purpose
KFAS mission is to stimulate and encourage progress and advancement of science, technology, and innovation for the benefit of society, research, and enterprises in Kuwait. As part of its efforts to contribute to the development of the private sector and increase its research & development (R&D) capabilities, the Enterprise R&D Support and Technology Transfer (ERD) Program supports projects that falls under this scope. The program supports, through co-funding scheme, private sector companies who are investing in R&D initiatives.
The co-funding grant opportunities are:
(1) New idea feasibility (technical soundness and economic viability, strengths and weaknesses, as well resources needed, and potential industrial or research collaborators)
(2) Implementation of R&D projects (development of new and/ or improved products, processes and/ or services, as well as new way of delivering existing service, new production-method or a change to the business model)
Eligibility
Private sector company registered and licensed to operate in Kuwait are eligible for this program (priority goes to shareholding companies contributing to KFAS).
Project General Requirements
The project must address a business need with a solution related to science, technology or innovation and have clear deliverables.
Ineligible Activities: KFAS grant funds may not be used to cover the costs of:
i. Construction and extensions of physical buildings
ii. Achieving compliance with statutory regulations or legislation
iii. Manpower costs
iv. Training and mentoring
v. Organization development
vi. Strategic planning and strategy execution
vii. Design and production of advertising material and branding (digital marketing activities, marketing plans & strategies, website development and online optimization, mobile applications development, etc.)
viii. Sales activities
ix. General business consultancy
x. Standard equipment purchases
xi. Software purchases and software development
xii. Equipment maintenance
xiii. Activities unlikely to result in commercial value or business growth
xiv. Advice or assistance in secondary areas (legal, commercial law, patents, taxation, customs, etc.)
xv. Travel expenses
Co-Funding Grant Amount
KFAS grant amount for co-funding is determined based on internal policies and procedures, budget constraints, and operational costs excluding manpower costs.
Project Duration
The normal duration of a project will be from:
1. Three months up to a maximum of six months for a feasibility study
2. Six months up to a maximum of two years for R&D project
Longer projects are occasionally considered but only in exceptional circumstances
Knowledge Provider Partner Requirement
KFAS requires you to designate a “Knowledge Provider” partner in your proposed project to provide paid research support services (with the exception of in-house projects). A Knowledge Provider can be a research institute, private research/consultancy firm, or a consultant/expert. Some international research institutes require a liaison to coordinate such engagements. In such cases the liaison should be identified. The role of knowledge provider is to assists in technology transfer, feasibility studies, innovative solutions, and enhancements of existing processes and products with an R&D focus. If needed, KFAS can assist in finding a suitable a Knowledge Provider for your project.
Fund Recipient and Knowledge Provider
In the context of this program, KFAS disburses grant funds directly to the awarded company. Should the awarded company choose to employ the services of a Knowledge Provider (such as a research institution or individual researcher) the awarded company is responsible to directly enter into agreement and manage the relationship with the third party.
Intellectual Property
The company and the knowledge provider should have a prior agreement concerning the exploitation of Intellectual Property (IP). A signed agreement between company and the knowledge provider covering IP rights is required for all R&D projects.
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How to Apply
(1) Submit a cover letter signed by the executive head of the company
(2) Copies of license to operate from Ministry of Commerce & Industry, certificate of authorized signatories, support letters, quotations, or contracts (if any) to support your application
(3) For R&D projects, a copy of signed IP rights agreement between company and the knowledge provider
(4) Submit this completed and signed co-funding application with a proposal for R&D project or a feasibility study In-person or via courier to the following address:
In-person or via courier to the following address:
Director of Innovation & Enterprise
Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences
Ahmad Al Jaber Street, Sharq
P. O. Box 25263,
Safat 13113, State of Kuwait
Or electronically (signed pages must be scanned) to:
enterprisesupport@kfas.org.kw
What to expect after applying
i. Submitting this form does not commit KFAS to funding the proposed study or R&D project
ii. The application will undergo thorough analysis and evaluation processes according to KFAS policies and procedures. The applicant will then be notified through an official correspondence from a KFAS representative on the final outcome of the evaluation process
Project Reporting Requirements
1. All Technical and Financial Project reports should be submitted to the concerned Program Manager at KFAS
2. Both the cash and in-kind contribution should be clearly stated
3. An Interim Progress Report shall be submitted at the mid-term stage of projects that are over 6 months duration
4. The report shall include both a technical and a financial account of the project to date
5. A Final Report, (including final technical report and final financial accounts), shall be submitted within 2 calendar months of the completion or termination of a project
6. All reports must strictly follow KFAS’s report templates
7. KFAS may make additional enquiries into a project, as is deemed necessary
8. All reports should be cleared for confidentiality with the company and knowledge provider before submission to KFAS
Terms & Conditions
1. Grant approvals may be withdrawn for projects not commenced within 6 months of notification of approval
2. KFAS must be informed, in a timely manner, of any problems that will delay the project by more than 6-8 weeks
3. KFAS reserve the right to terminate a grant at any time, subject to reasonable notice and the payment of such final instalment as may be necessary to cover outstanding and unavoidable commitments
4. KFAS will undertake no responsibility, financial or otherwise, for liability arising out of the project
5. KFAS reserves the right to change these conditions from time to time, as it considers appropriate
6. KFAS funds should be used exclusively for the proposed project
7. KFAS branding guidelines should be observed for the use of KFAS logo and KFAS clearance should be obtained on the content of any press releases related to the project. KFAS logo should not be used for marketing of any products and services
8. Beneficiaries of the grant forfeit the right to claim the remaining of the approved amount after 90 days from the completion of the project
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