Breaking news

Cyprus’ Young Entrepreneurs Set Record as Stelios Awards Funding Doubles

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 10, 2025

Record-Breaking Application Numbers

This year, Cyprus witnessed a landmark moment for its entrepreneurial community as 77 applications were submitted for the Stelios Awards for Young Entrepreneurs, marking the highest participation to date. The unprecedented interest underscores the drive and ambition of the nation’s emerging business leaders.

Enhanced Prize Structure for Higher Impact

The awards have evolved notably, with the prize fund now doubled to €200,000. The funding distribution is clear and motivating: €100,000 for first place, €60,000 for second, and €40,000 for third. These incentives, directly funded by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou—founder of the easy brand family and the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation—promise to empower innovative ideas and catalyze growth in the start-up ecosystem.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

A Platform for Innovation and Growth

Celebrating its third consecutive year in Cyprus, the competition is recognized as a premier stage for young entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity and solid business acumen. Eligibility is reserved for individuals under 34 who have founded a company in Cyprus within the past five years and achieved an annual turnover of at least €40,000. Interviews with selected candidates will commence online, culminating in a highly anticipated awards ceremony on October 7, graced by the presence of the First Lady, Philippa Karsera-Christodoulides.

Broad-Spectrum Philanthropy and Community Impact

Beyond the entrepreneurial accolades, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation continues to extend its support across several countries, including Cyprus, Greece, the UK, Ireland, Monaco, and France. The Foundation’s initiatives, such as the Bi-Communal Business Cooperation Awards, the Youth Entrepreneurship Awards, and the ‘Food from the Heart’ program, are testament to its commitment to social responsibility. Financial aid to vulnerable groups, disaster relief, and university scholarships further highlight its multifaceted mission to drive positive change.

Looking Ahead

The outcome of this record-setting year is poised to influence the entrepreneurial landscape in Cyprus significantly. As the new generation of business leaders gears up to transform innovative concepts into tangible realities, the Stelios Awards stand as a critical catalyst for progress and economic dynamism in the region.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Figma Introduces AI-Enhanced Code-To-Canvas Feature As Tech Market Volatility Grows

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 18, 2026

Integrating AI With Design

Figma, in collaboration with Anthropic, has launched an innovative feature called Code to Canvas. This advancement transforms code generated by artificial intelligence tools such as Claude Code into fully editable designs within Figma’s digital canvas. By bridging the gap between AI-driven code and design refinement, the new tool empowers teams to refine, compare, and finalize design options with greater efficiency.

Reinforcing The Role Of Design

The integration underscores a broader strategic belief: even as AI automates the initial creation of interfaces, the human element in design remains indispensable. Although this partnership equips teams with a faster on-ramp to usability, it also carries the risk that as AI tools mature, the traditional design process may be circumvented entirely. This delicate balance between automation and creative oversight is reshaping how products are built and refined.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Market Reactions And The SaaS Landscape

Figma’s latest move comes at a time when the software as a service (SaaS) sector is experiencing significant turbulence. The market has broadly punished SaaS stocks, with flagship names including Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Intuit suffering double-digit declines. The iShares Software ETF has also entered bear market territory, reflecting investor concerns over a broader ‘SaaSpocalypse.’

Stock Performance And Future Outlook

Figma, which experienced a dramatic stock decline since its IPO last summer, has not been immune to these market forces. As it prepares to report earnings after Wednesday’s market close, Figma’s stock has fallen nearly 85% from its 52-week high of $142.92 reached in August. This steep drop emphasizes the challenges even industry leaders face amid a shifting economic landscape.

As Figma continues to innovate at the intersection of design and AI, industry observers will be keenly watching both the technological impact and the broader market reaction to these bold strategic moves.