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It is with great enthusiasm that we announce the launch of L.I.R.A Innovation Program 2025, a groundbreaking initiative by IRALEB dedicated to fostering early-stage innovation among academic researchers and talented students. Building on the success of LIRA 17, which received over 90 high-quality applications, this second edition seeks to expand its impact by engaging an even broader selection of universities and academic institutions. The first edition is now concluding, marking the culmination of a long and productive journey for the LIRA beneficiaries, filled with innovation, growth, and significant impact. Last year’s program successfully empowered aspiring innovators, some of whom have made substantial progress toward launching their startups. This reinforces the program’s role as a vital catalyst for industrial innovation.

The L.I.R.A Innovation Program is committed to driving applied research projects with tangible industrial applications, spanning key sectors such as agrifood, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, ICT, and creative industries. With a legacy of over 25 years, the program remains a cornerstone for advancing Lebanon’s innovation landscape, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and converting cutting-edge research into commercially viable solutions with industrial impact.

Under the framework of “Lebanon Innovate,” a European Union-funded initiative, we have further enhanced the program by incorporating entrepreneurship components. These enhancements, supported by our Lebanese and European partners, provide participants with access to financial resources, capacity-building opportunities, tailored acceleration and incubation programs, extensive EU networks, and strategic matchmaking with international partners.

L.I.R.A Innovation Program 2025 – Tracks and Opportunities

To accommodate the diverse needs of applicants, IRALEB is offering two specialized tracks:

Track 1: Commercially Viable Innovations

Funded by Lebanon Innovate, this track is designed for innovators aiming to develop startup ventures or spin-offs. A financial grant of €50,000 will be allocated to support 5 outstanding projects, enabling them to scale their innovative prototypes into viable businesses.

Track 2: Industrial Innovative Challenges

Developed in collaboration with leading industrial partners, this track focuses on addressing real-world industrial challenges. IRALEB, alongside industry sponsors, will co-fund shortlisted projects with €15,000, supporting three high-potential initiatives aimed at enhancing existing products, optimizing production processes, or developing entirely new industrial solutions.

Opportunities for Industrial Partnerships

To further strengthen the bridge between academia and industry, IRALEB is committed to facilitating connections between researchers and Lebanese industrialists. If you are seeking an industry partner, we encourage you to express your interest by completing our Call for Industrial Partnership Form. This initiative will enable you to engage in impactful collaborations that drive meaningful innovation and long-term industrial growth.

Application Process & Key Dates

We invite you to embark on this transformative journey by submitting your application through our online portal, opening on February 5, 2025. The deadline for applications is March 10, 2025.

For more details regarding the LIRA application process, eligibility criteria, and program guidelines, please visit our official website at www.iraleb.org, watch our promotional Teaser_call for industrial partnership, and review the attached Call for Applications.

We look forward to witnessing the next wave of Lebanese innovators shaping the future of industry.