CATA launches Applied Research Fund 2026

Applications for this funding will be open until Friday, January 16, 2026.

Through its Technology Transfer Unit, the Center for Astrophysics and Associated Technologies (CATA) launched the 2026 Applied Research Fund (R&D) aimed at professors, researchers, and/or professionals from universities associated with CATA.

This funding aims to strengthen applied research projects that need to advance through the prototyping and validation stages. Interested parties must commit to completing the Intellectual Property, Innovation, and Technology Transfer training program to be held during the execution of the projects, if they are selected as winners of the call for proposals. This training program will take place during February and March 2026.

The 2026 Applied Research Fund provides up to $5 million pesos in funding per project and covers operational expenses, fees, consulting services, and intellectual property protection. To apply, please complete the online form and upload the required documents.

This contest will be open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026. For questions, applicants should contact Fernanda Mesa, Technology Transfer Officer, at fmesa@cata.cl.

Links to documentation:

• General terms and conditions of the 2026 Applied Research Fund.
• Application form.
• Declaration form.
• Cost sheet.

A Q&A session for the 2026 R&D Fund will be held virtually on January 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

Link for the meeting: https://meet.google.com/qtd-drho-qr