A lever to boost innovation in Reunion
As part of the France 2030 Plan, University Innovation Centers (PUIs) play a key role in the economic development of regions by promoting research results. The Valiotech PUI, led by the University of Réunion in partnership with CIRAD, IRD, and the Technopole, is fully in line with this dynamic.

The ValioLink call for projects aims to foster collaboration between the research and business sectors. It supports public-private innovation projects by providing financial contributions for seed stages and proofs of concept, thereby mitigating initial risks and accelerating the transition from idea to initial implementation.

Objectives of the call for projects:

• Initiate and support partnerships between private companies and research units attached to the founding establishments of PUI VALIOTECH: University of La Réunion, CIRAD, IRD
• Accelerate the emergence of new innovative collaborative projects
• Strengthen the impact of research on society and the economic fabric, by facilitating the transfer of scientific results to the socio-economic world
• Create lasting partnerships to perpetuate a local innovation ecosystem.

Who can apply?

The projects, led by a research unit, must involve:

• A research unit(s) under the supervision of one of the founding institutions of the Valiotech PUI (University of Reunion Island, CIRAD, IRD) and based in Reunion Island
• A company(ies) wishing to collaborate with this unit in an innovation process.

Projects must meet the following criteria:

• Be collaborative, involving at least one research unit from these establishments and a private partner.
• The project's innovation must be strategic and bring added value to the territory.
• A minimum duration of 12 months.

Funding

The funding envelope provided by the ValioLink call for projects can reach €20 per project.

Submission procedure

1. Download the complete regulations and application form.
2. Prepare your file in collaboration with your partner (scientific program, detailed budget, etc.).
3. The application form must be endorsed by (i) the person responsible for the research unit leading the project, (ii) the manager of the partner company with the authority to engage it, and (iii) by the research support service of the supervising institution which will manage the research collaboration contract.
4. The research unit leading the project must submit the application form, including a detailed budget, to the following address: valiolink@cirad.fr
5. Submit your application before April 10, 2026 at 18:00 p.m. (Reunion time)

2026 Calendar
Call for proposals launched: January 10, 2026
Submission deadline: April 10, 2026 (18 p.m. Reunion time)
Results to be announced: end of May 2026

For any questions or to make an appointment, please contact: valiolink@cirad.fr
You will also benefit from support to consolidate/finalize your submission via the partnership and promotion service of your management supervisor.