Berytech logo 2023
UFM logo white
Research to Business logo white
aecid logo white

Selection Criteria

From
Research
to Business

A programme designed to empower researchers to transform their knowledge and scientific discoveries into market-ready innovations.

Apply by June 1. 2026

LEAD PARTNER

berytech logo

PROGRAMME PARTNERS

ANIMA logo

The programme targets advanced research and innovation projects transitioning toward commercialization. It supports researchers and early-stage teams moving from validated solutions to market-ready ventures, particularly within Mediterranean priority sectors aligned with the UfM R&I agenda.
R2B empowers research teams to transform their knowledge and scientific discoveries into market-ready and commercially viable innovations through structured commercialization support, mentoring, and regional ecosystem engagement.

Lab Equipment

ELIGIBILTY CRITERIA

Projects must meet the following requirements:

Technology
Maturity

  • Minimum TRL 6 (technology demonstrated in a relevant or operational environment).

Origin & Geographic
Anchoring

  • Applicant teams (at least one core founder) must originate from countries eligible under the Spanish Cooperation’s regional Masar Programme: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, Mauritania, Algeria, and Syria.
  • Projects must originate from these countries, with implementation and expected impact demonstrating potential for regional (Mediterranean) scalability. Regional balance will also be considered.

Stage

  • Projects must be beyond pure research, with a validated prototype and early steps toward market application, testing or adoption (pre-seed to early seed stage).

Participation

  • Teams (at least one core founder) must commit to actively participate in programme activities and represent their project and eligible MASAR country throughout the programme.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Projects will be evaluated based on the following dimensions, those achieving the highest scores will be selected for the programme:

Strategic & Sector Relevance
  • Addresses a clearly defined regional challenge with commercialization relevance, within priority sectors:
    • AgriTech & Sustainable Food Systems
    • Water, Renewable Energy & Climate Technologies
    • Applied HealthTech
    • Green & Blue Economy (with high commercialization potential)
  • Aligned with the UfM R&I agenda and the 2022 UfM R&I Ministerial Declaration. Reference Resources are available here and here
  • Demonstrates understanding of market gaps, user needs, and regional priorities
  • Integrating cross-cutting innovation elements such as digital solutions, deep tech, or frontier technologies, is a plus.
  • Validated solution tested in real-world conditions (pilot, field testing, or industry setting)
  • Demonstrates technical reliability and performance
  • Clear competitive advantage and awareness of adoption barriers (regulatory, affordability, market access)
  • Initial clarity on IP ownership and exploitation potential
  • Clearly defined target market and customer segments
  • Strong value proposition with early validation of demand or willingness to pay
  • Potential to develop a feasible commercialization pathway (such as revenue generation, cost savings, job creation…)
  • Team combines technical expertise with the ability to advance commercialization
  • Clear roles, commitment, and readiness to engage in a structured venture-building programme
  • Identified team member leading the commercialization pathway
  • Potential for economic, social, or environmental impact in the Mediterranean region
  • Demonstrates regional relevance and cross-border scalability
  • Integrates transversal priorities such as sustainability, gender inclusion, climate action, and employment

Additional Considerations

Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate:

  • Presence of a business-oriented founder or advisor, or openness to integrate such expertise
  • Participation of more than one founding team member
  • Existing or ongoing synergies with relevant programmes, funding initiatives, or national/international partners
  • Integration of cross-cutting innovation elements such as digital solutions, deep tech, or frontier technologies, when clearly linked to market needs

TURN YOUR RESEARCH INTO BUSINESS, TODAY!

Apply by June 1. 2026
Apply by June 1. 2026