TÜBITAK- MSE MIGHT Grand Challenge

Legal Framework

Based on the Protocol on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBITAK) and The Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) signed in October 2020, this call is launched to enhance the cooperative activities in the field of research and development between two countries. The main objective of this call is to support research and development projects to promote the scientific and technological cooperation between two countries through the synergy between both countries' teams. 

Scope of the Call

Within the framework of this call, the projects with the following objectives will be supported:

- Producing a new product

- Increasing the product quality or standards

- Developing new techniques to reduce costs and increase standards

- Developing new production technologies

The projects, focusing on research and experimental development, "technologically new or improved product", "technological process innovation" are preferred. Basic research projects are not supported within the scope of this call. 

R&D Stages to be Supported 

The projects to be supported under this call are expected to include all or some of the following R&D stages:

- Concept development

- Technological/technical and economic feasibility study

- Laboratory (or related) studies in the transition from concept to design

- Design, design application and design tests

- Prototype production

- Establishment of pilot plant

- Trial production and type tests

- Activities to solve problems related with product design after sales

Investment-oriented projects for production or production infrastructure (including the purchase of facilities and looms) and projects without R&D content are not supported because of being not suitable for the purposes of the program.

Successful projects prepared in the fields below will be supported within the scope of the program. Proposals submitted in other fields will not be accepted.

Thematic fields are:

a. Core and Generative Artificial Intelligence

AI is a transformative force in the global context, offering significant potential for economic growth, innovation, and social progress. However, it also presents challenges that necessitate careful consideration, ethical governance, and international collaboration. Core AI and Generative AI represent two different approaches and applications within the field of artificial intelligence, each serving distinct purposes. Core AI primarily focuses on tasks requiring structured outputs and decision-making based on existing data. It includes areas like expert systems, robotics, computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), and machine learning models trained to perform specific tasks. Generative AI focuses on creative processes, producing new data based on learned information from large datasets. The emphasis is on generating something new rather than analyzing or classifying existing data. Both Core AI and Generative AI are transforming industries, economies, and societies worldwide. They have distinct roles but collectively contribute to advancements in technology, efficiency, and innovation. 

b. Hydrogen Energy and Energy Storage 

Hydrogen energy and energy storage are pivotal components of the global transition toward a low-carbon economy. They play a key role in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, energy security, and the increasing demand for clean, reliable energy sources. This R&D project aims to advance hydrogen energy technologies and innovative energy storage solutions. Hydrogen, a clean energy carrier, offers the potential for zero-emission power generation through fuel cells, contributing to decarbonization efforts across sectors. The co-creation will focuses on optimizing hydrogen production, storage and utilization to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Complementing this, energy storage development will explore cutting-edge battery systems and other technologies to store renewable energy, enabling reliable, on-demand power delivery and supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future. 

c. Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is increasingly recognized as essential to addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, environmental degradation, and rural poverty. It plays a critical role in achieving international goals like the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2: Zero Hunger, and Goal 13: Climate Action. This R&D project focuses on advancing sustainable agriculture practices to enhance food security, promote environmental stewardship, and address climate change. The approach integrates innovative farming techniques, soil health management, and efficient resource use (water, energy, and nutrients) to minimize environmental impact while maximising productivity. Key areas of research include precision agriculture, organic farming, regenerative practices, and the development of resilient crops. The project aims to reduce carbon emissions, preserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable livelihoods, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system globally.

d. Advanced Materials for Aerospace, IoT in Space Technologies, and Robotics in Space Technologies

Space technologies play an increasingly important role in addressing global challenges and advancing scientific, economic, and geopolitical objectives. Nations and private enterprises worldwide are investing in space exploration, satellite communications, and space-based systems to drive innovation, improve quality of life, and maintain strategic advantages. 

- Maximum project duration up to 3 years (36 months); extension beyond this period is not permitted.

- It is prerequisite that proposals include the participation of the below as submitting and collaborative institutions:

• At least one Turkish academy partner (including public institutions or organizations/ research institutions/ universities/ training and research hospitals) and Malaysian research institution, public organization or university & at least one Turkish and one Malaysian industrial partner for academia-industry  cooperation proposals.
• The proposal must be within one or more of the specific research priority areas described in Section 4.
• Turkish and Malaysian-based teams must each be led by a Lead Principal Investigator (LPI). 
• Each proposal should have a Project Manager who will be selected from the LPIs of the proposal and this person is responsible for coordinating the whole consortium. 

On Turkish Side 

• The LPI can be either from academy, public or private sector for Turkish team.
• For detailed information on the eligibility for Turkish team, visit 

 https://tubitak.gov.tr/sites/default/files/2024-08/1071_22_surec_dokumani.pdf 

• Turkish team will receive funding through TÜBITAK 1071 Program. All Turkish researchers who apply for this Program should be registered to TÜBITAK ARBİS (Researcher Information System) through the following link: https://arbis.tubitak.gov.tr 

On Malaysian Side

• The LPI can be either from academy, public or private sector for Malaysian team. Private sector from Malaysia must be a Malaysian based business of any size that is registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia - https://www.ssm.com.my
• Interested parties or consortia will need to first register their interest via MIGHT's online application system -https://applications.might.org.my/e/MMTU 

Financial contributions must be calculated and provided in compliance with the valid national legislation and internal regulations of the partner organisations. 

The cost of exchange of experts, scientist and other specialists will be covered on the following basis:

- The Sending Party will cover all related costs connected with travel, accommodation and daily allowances according to their own regulations and allowances.

- The total duration of international visits in one direction should not exceed 60 days per year both Turkish and Malaysian research team of the each supported joint project.

On Turkish Side

• TÜBITAK-funded costs of each grant shall be issued and managed by TÜBITAK in accordance with the rules of TÜBITAK 1071 Program. TÜBITAK-funded costs of each grant will be issued and managed by TÜBITAK according to its funding guidelines and procedures (For detailed information please visit: 
• TÜBITAK funds up to 5.000.000 Turkish Liras (excl. overhead and Project Incentive Premium (PIP) approximately) per project.
• As a rule, Turkish academia/public institution partners that are eligible for funding can receive up to 3.000.000 Turkish Liras (excl. overhead and Project Incentive Premium (PIP) approximately) of funding per proposal in total.
• Turkish small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can receive 75% of the approved budget;Turkish large-scale enterprises can receive 60% of the approved budget. Higher education institutions, their institutes, public R&D centers can receive 100% of the approved budget. Requested funding from TÜBITAK is obtained by multiplying the project budget with the support rate. In projects involving more than one executive institution, requested funding from TÜBITAK is the sum of the amounts obtained by multiplying the project budget of each executive institution with the support rate. 

On Malaysian Side 

• Malaysian small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can receive 75% of the approved budget; Malaysian large-scale enterprises can receive 60% of the approved budget. Higher education institutions, their institutes, public R&D centers can receive 100% of the approved budget.
• The Malaysian team from private sector, academy, or public sector, which is eligible for funding, can receive up to MYR 685,000.00 of funding per proposal in total.
• The breakdown of the cost are as follows:

• Project proposals must be submitted to both partner organisations in parallel.
• The partners should come to an agreement with each other using their own means of communication and jointly develop and complete their project proposals before submitting it to TÜBITAK and MIGHT. TÜBITAK and MIGHT do not match the collaborating partners.
• Project proposals must provide detailed information on the objectives and justification of the planned joint research work, the methodology to be followed, the composition of each research team and the intended time schedule.
• Because projects are bilateral, they must demonstrate equivalence in efforts from the Malaysian and Türkiye partners. The project must have one common work plan with both the Malaysia and Türkiye partners having main roles and responsibilities.
• The size of the grant may vary depending on the needs of each project and must be fully justified. Applicants need to ensure that supported elements of the proposal abide by all regulations for both funding agencies.

On Turkish Side

• Turkish partners will make their joint online application via TÜBITAK's online application system: http://uidb-pbs.tubitak.gov.tr
• Turkish partners will use e-signature for their applications. Detailed information can be achieved via https://tubitak.gov.tr/sites/default/files/2025-01/uidb_e-imza_yardim_dokumani.pdf
• Submission of proposals by fax or e-mail will not be accepted.

On Malaysian Side

• Malaysian partners will need to submit the application via : https://applications.might.org.my

Projects are evaluated by TÜBITAK and MIGHT independently by their own evaluation process. Only the proposals which are accepted by two sides will be funded. The proposals will be reviewed according to a certain set of evaluation criteria:

• Scientific/Technological Excellence 
• Methodology
• Project Management 
• Importance of International Collaboration 
• Impact

As the research projects will be carried out by multiple project partners, the basis of collaboration between the project partners, including ownership of intellectual property (IP) generated during the project and rights to exploitation, and IP management is expected to be set out in an Intellectual Property Management Agreement between the LPIs involved. It is the responsibility of the LPIs to put such an agreement in place and to be provided when requested by funding agencies. The funding for approved projects will be released upon submission of the IP Management agreements to the respective funding agencies on both sides. The terms of collaboration must not conflict with the funding agencies terms and conditions and national law.

Turkish side

For the Turkish team, please refer to the Ethics Committee Approval Document, Official Permission Document and Research and Publication Ethics Committee Regulation as you can find on the link: 

 https://tubitak.gov.tr/sites/default/files/2024-08/1071_22_surec_dokumani.pdf

On Malaysian Side

For the Malaysian team shall comply with the principles and practices as stated in the Malaysian Code of Responsible Conduct in Research.

1. Create an account to see all the details required for the application. The sample entry form will then be visible in an adjacent tab.
2. Submissions will only be accepted on this platform beginning 13 May 2025.
3. You can view the video below on how to submit the application

4. You can view the video below on how to fill up questions that require you to answer by using the templates provided.