The first programme (programme of public competition) created and performed by the Technology Agency CR is called ALFA (ALPHA). It is a programme supporting projects of applied research and experimental development and stimulating increased intensity and effectiveness of R&D cooperation between businesses and research organizations.

The programme has been approved for the period from 2011 till 2016 in which three calls are expected – in 2010, 2011, and 2012. The estimated overall budget of the programme is approx. 7.5 billion CZK with an estimated public support of 65 %.

The ALFA programme contains three sub-programmes:

1. Progressive technologies, materials and systems (support of enabling technologies applicable in multiple industries)
2. Energy resources, and creation and protection of environment (renewable resources of energy, protection of ecosystems, environmentally friendly technologies)
3. Sustainable development of transportation (development of infrastructure, telematics, and energy efficient, environmentally friendly and safe transportation)

The first call of public competition of the ALFA programme was announced on the 24^th of March 2010 and ended after two months on the 24^th of May 2010. Results of the first call were published on the 19^th of November 2010. Altogether, 657 project proposals were received by Technology Agency of the Czech Republic out of which 50 % applied for the first sub-programme, 29 % to sub-programme focusing on energy resources, and creation and protection of environment and 22 % of applications run into the third sub-programme. Based on the results of the evaluation process 253 of the received project proposals were recommended for financing for which 780 million CZK was allocated in the first year.

The second call of the public competition was announced on 20^th July 2011.

Documents:

The members of the Board of the ALFA Programme

The current list of board members of the three ALFA sub-programmes