Call for Applications
Faculty Research Funding Program 2026
The Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF), with the support of PMI Science R&D Center Armenia, is excited to announce the Faculty Research Funding Program 2026 — an AI-driven initiative designed to foster innovative research that addresses the industry's current challenges and bridges the gap between academic research and industry needs.
The program provides financial and systemic support to applied research projects conducted by teams from leading universities, research institutes, innovative start-ups, and forward-thinking companies, with AI integration established as a defining priority for this funding cycle.
AI Integration & Adoption — Core Priority
We welcome proposals that embed AI-driven methods directly into the research and development (R&D) processes and workflows— whether through machine learning pipelines for data analysis and pattern recognition, autonomous AI agents for experimental design and hypothesis generation, or AI-assisted collaboration frameworks linking computational and laboratory research — and that look beyond the funded project itself, building lasting AI R&D capacity within the team or host organization.
Proposals that treat AI as a core, load-bearing component of their methodology — rather than an ancillary tool — will be prioritized for financing, and demonstrated AI adoption capacity will factor into shortlisting and interview evaluation. Relevant directions include, but are not limited to, generative models for materials discovery, AI agent systems for adaptive sensing and closed-loop experimentation, and large language model-assisted literature synthesis and R&D workflow automation.
AI Tool Screening & Adoption Justification: A detailed breakdown of the AI integration process will be required. Participants must explicitly document:
- Screening: What AI/ML tools, frameworks, or algorithms were evaluated?
- Justification: Why were these specific tools chosen over alternatives?
- Implementation: Where and how are they being deployed within the project?
- Pilot Demonstration: A functional proof-of-concept showing the chosen AI tools in action.
Scientific & Engineering Domains
Proposals should fall within one or more of the following domains: Applied Physics, Material Science, Chemistry, Flavor Science, Toxicology, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Data & Computational Sciences.
AI is considered cross-cutting capability applicable across all domains. Projects may propose domain-specific applications of AI within any of the eligible scientific & engineering areas.
Eligibility
- Research team of at least 3 members, aged 18 or above, representing universities, research institutes, start-ups, or relevant organizations
- Demonstrated applied research project with clear relevance to the priority areas above
Shortlisted teams will present their projects through an interview process.
Program Highlights
- Implementation period: 3 to 6 months
- Financing: up to 4,235,000 AMD, inclusive of all taxes and mandatory payments
- Access to mentorship, field expert collaboration, and exclusive community activities
- Platform for partnership development and commercialization of research outcomes
How to Apply
- Complete the Online Application Form
- Attach comprehensive CVs of all team members
- Prepare a research project proposal per the guidelines in Annex-1
- Provide proof of institutional support and equipment availability (Letter of Support in the provided format, if available)
All application documents must be submitted in English.
Submission deadline: October 13, 2026, 23:59 Yerevan time
Note:
A Google account is required to access and complete the Online Application Form.
Before submitting your application, please review the Privacy Notice.
For inquiries:
Contact Arpine Davtyan
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel.: +374 11 219797
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About PMI Science R&D Center
PMI Science R&D Center in Armenia is one of Philip Morris International’s largest global research hubs - alongside Switzerland, China, and Italy - established in 2018 to help build a smoke-free future. Located in Yerevan’s Polytechnic University and Engineering City, it’s a vibrant ecosystem where science meets innovation.
The center specializes in AI/GenAI for the entire PMI R&D organization as well as on Future Technologies exploration and experimentation for the next generation of products and offerings of PMI. It’s a one-stop shop for AI, experimentation, prototyping, and advanced engineering, with open-access labs for students and researchers, and partnerships with Armenia’s top scientific and tech communities.
About Enterprise Incubator Foundation
Established in 2002, Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF) is one of the largest business development and incubation agencies in Armenia. EIF is called upon to create a productive environment for innovation, startup creation, higher productivity and competitiveness of ICT and high-tech companies, also stimulate FDI attraction and global partnerships.
The activities and projects of EIF cover every aspect of industry development–from nationwide ICT related policy development and creation of national representations in global markets to tailored services for startups, skill development and research projects. We act as a cross-point for all entities in the sector-multinationals and small startups, public institutions and international organizations-and bring them all together to act jointly towards the ultimate goal of IT and Engineering excellence.
EIF has 24 years extensive experience in developing industry-related studies, implementing startup acceleration initiatives and R&D projects, nationwide trainings, designing public-private-partnership (PPP) projects, and establishing new institutions such as venture funds, techno parks and innovation/excellence centers. EIF has the key role of Industry and HEIs facilitator for creation of Entrepreneurial culture within HEIs and incubation of start-ups in Armenia.
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Faculty Research Funding Program 2026 
