Innovation Shaping Mauritius

Building an Innovation-Focused Nation

Mauritius has been shaping a long-term strategy centered on knowledge, creativity, and technology. A key institution supporting this direction is the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC). The council plays an essential role in developing research capacity, improving collaboration, and supporting ideas that can evolve into practical solutions for the country.

Established in 2019, MRIC operates under the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research. Its mission is to strengthen applied research and drive innovation that responds to national needs. By coordinating priorities and funding, the council helps the research community and private sector work toward shared goals.

Purpose of the Council

MRIC focuses on research that can make a direct difference. Instead of limiting efforts to academic outcomes, the council encourages projects that address issues such as sustainability, economic diversification, digital transformation, agriculture, public health, and environmental resilience.

This approach ensures that research investment leads to measurable improvements across society and the economy.

Supporting Innovators Through Funding

MRIC manages a portfolio of grants designed to help individuals and organizations move from ideas to implementation. Key programs include:

• Proof of Concept funding to turn early ideas into testable prototypes.
• Innovation Boost grants to support the development of new tools, services, or technologies.
• Collaborative Research and Innovation grants to link universities, government bodies, and private companies.
• The National Research and Innovation Fund which directs investment toward national priorities.

These programs give researchers, entrepreneurs, and institutions structured pathways to develop solutions with real value.

Investing in Future Innovators: The Junior Innovation Challenge

Alongside its mainstream programs, MRIC invests in the next generation of innovators through the Junior Innovation Challenge.
This initiative encourages school students to explore scientific thinking, develop problem-solving skills, and design early-stage projects that address real challenges within their communities.

By involving youth at an early stage, the council helps foster a lasting culture of curiosity and innovation. It also ensures a continued pipeline of future researchers, engineers, and thinkers who can contribute to the national innovation landscape.

Connecting the Research and Business Ecosystems

One of MRIC’s central roles is connecting different parts of the innovation ecosystem. The council creates opportunities for:

• universities to collaborate with industry
• researchers to align their work with national needs
• startups to access guidance and technical support
• public institutions to test new ideas in real contexts

This structure helps ideas move beyond the concept stage and become practical applications with meaningful impact.

Driving Long-Term National Development

Mauritius faces the challenges of a small island state: limited resources, environmental vulnerability, and the need to keep pace with global change. Innovation is essential for long-term resilience.

MRIC contributes by guiding research in fields such as renewable energy, biotechnology, digital infrastructure, and the blue economy. These areas support economic diversification and help the country remain competitive.

The council also strengthens local talent through training, project support, and international collaboration.