Supporting innovative projects by private enterprises involved in knowledge and technology transfer to developing countries while simultaneously contributing to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals: this is the objective of the Business Partnership Facility (BPF).
Established in 2016, this co-financing mechanism is administered by the Directorate of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Action of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.
It is implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourgish Agency for Development Cooperation, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Luxinnovation, and the Ministry of the Economy.
41 projects supported in 10 editions
BPF is aimed at companies with know-how or technology that could benefit the greatest number of people and which seeks to test its solution, via a pilot project, or to offer it on new markets. This initiative provides the necessary boost to develop new international projects, while giving meaning to business activities.
The Business Partnership Facility programme has made it possible, over the ten previous editions, to support 41 partnership projects between European companies and entities established in more than 20 developing countries.
As part of the 11th edition of the BPF, now launched, the supported projects must contribute to major societal issues for the development of the partner country: poverty reduction, food security, climate change, quality education, decent work and economic growth, access to drinking water and sanitation, etc.
Up to 50% of costs subsidised
The programme is specifically aimed at companies that are:
- based in Luxembourg or Europe;
- registered for more than 3 years;
- have a minimum revenue of €500,000;
- and with at least five employees.
It offers co-financing of up of 50% of project costs, with a maximum amount of €200,000 for the realisation of an innovative and impactful project as part of a solid partnership with an entity from a developing country (company, NGO, public entity, etc.).
For example, the project may aim to transfer know-how or technology to the partner, carry out a feasibility study of an innovative project in the country concerned or even implement a pilot version of its solution in a new market.
The objective is to enable developing countries to benefit from “Made in Luxembourg” innovations.
Interested companies have until 30 April 2024 to submit an application. They can download the form directly from the Business Partnership Facility website.