Cypriot Robotics Teams Shine at International LEGO League Competitions

by News Editor

May 10, 2025

In an inspiring display of talent and innovation, two Cypriot student robotics teams have proudly showcased their skills at prestigious global events during the 2025 FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) season, which focused on the fascinating theme of ocean exploration.

Support and Coordination

Backed by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) and coordinated by the Cyprus Computer Society (CCS), teams ROBOTHEADZ and Robomac journeyed to the United States and Greece, bringing Cypriot creativity and teamwork in STEM to an international audience.

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ROBOTHEADZ Triumphs in Houston

ROBOTHEADZ, under the coaching of Dr. Pericles Cheng from STEM Education Cyprus, clinched the Champion’s Award at the FLL Cyprus 2025 competition, earning their spot at the global FIRST® Championship in Houston, Texas. The event, held from April 16 to 19, attracted over 50,000 participants from 160 countries.

Their innovative contributions included a high-tech diving mask powered by artificial intelligence, capable of real-time fish species identification to tackle invasive marine life. Ranking among the top 100 teams, ROBOTHEADZ was a beacon of Cypriot ingenuity.

Robomac’s Success in Greece

Representing Technical School Makarios III, Robomac participated in the FIRST® LEGO® League Open International in Corinth, Greece from May 2-4. Their innovative approach and technical acumen earned them the Innovation Project Award, securing their second place among 48 teams from 40 countries.

Promoting Cypriot Innovation

The Cyprus Computer Society commended the teams and their coaches while reinforcing its mission to drive student interest in STEM fields through various upcoming events.

To explore more about CCS initiatives, visit their website or check their social media for updates.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Global Investment Migration: Leading Residence And Citizenship Programs For 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 24, 2026

European Dominance Challenged By Global Contenders

The 2026 edition of the Henley & Partners Residence and Citizenship Programs report shows increasing competition in the investment migration market. European programs, traditionally seen as the global benchmark, are now facing stronger competition from jurisdictions in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean as countries expand offerings aimed at attracting capital and internationally mobile investors.

New Entrants And Rapid Climbers Reshape The Landscape

Malta remains ranked first in the Global Citizenship Program Index for the 11th consecutive year, while Greece retains the top position in the Global Residence Program Index. At the same time, several jurisdictions improved their standings. The UAE moved from fifth to a joint second position, entering the top three for the first time. Countries including Costa Rica, New Zealand, Panama, and Singapore also gained ground, while Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives appeared as new entrants.

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Competing For Capital And Global Talent

Governments increasingly use residence and citizenship frameworks as tools to attract foreign investment and entrepreneurial talent. According to Henley & Partners Chairman Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Europe remains a strong player, but countries such as Singapore and the UAE are accelerating reforms to strengthen their appeal to globally mobile investors.

Established Leaders And Agile Newcomers In Citizenship Programs

The Global Citizenship Program Index continues to be led by established programs. Malta’s citizenship-by-merit framework scored 77 points, maintaining its leading position, while Austria followed with a highly selective model. Programs in Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Nauru also received strong rankings. New entrants such as São Tomé and Príncipe and Samoa reflect a broader expansion of citizenship-based offerings.

European Consolidation And Emerging Residence Hubs

In the residence category, Greece remains first, supported by EU access and lifestyle advantages. Italy, Switzerland, and the UAE continue to compete closely, combining tax efficiency with investor-oriented policies. Portugal and Australia maintain strong positions, while Uruguay is emerging as a stable option with growing international interest.

Performance Metrics And Strategic Advantages

Both indexes evaluate 40 programs across factors including reputation, quality of life, compliance standards, investment requirements, and tax considerations. Austria and Malta scored strongly on program quality, while the UAE ranked highly in lifestyle and tax competitiveness. The rankings highlight how jurisdictions are positioning themselves to attract globally mobile capital.

Wealth On The Move

The report points to a broader shift in global wealth mobility. According to Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, investors increasingly prioritize stability, transparency, and clear long-term pathways when choosing residence or citizenship options.

As global uncertainty persists, residence and citizenship programs are increasingly viewed not only as investment tools but as strategic instruments for long-term mobility and risk diversification.

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