Open Calls

Cyprus Chamber Champions Bold Funding Opportunity For Women-Led Deep-Tech Ventures

Empowering Innovation In Green, Agri, And Climate Tech

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also known as Keve, is spearheading a transformative funding initiative aimed at bolstering women-led deep-tech startups. As the coordinating body for the Enterprise Europe Network in Cyprus, the Chamber is launching WE-RISE Open Call 2, a program specifically crafted to nurture innovative ventures in the GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech sectors.

Strategic Investment For Sustainable Growth

Funded under Horizon Europe, the WE-RISE initiative dedicates a total budget of €600,000 to empower startups developing advanced technological solutions with significant environmental impact. With a clear focus on scalability, this open call is set to select 20 women-led tech startups from EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries, giving special preference to ventures from moderate and emerging innovator regions, including Cyprus.

Two-Phase Acceleration Model

The program unfolds in two distinct phases. The initial Nurture Phase is a three-month intensive period during which each selected startup receives a €5,000 grant. This phase is designed to fortify strategic planning through tailored business coaching, specialized training, and the development of a comprehensive Strategic Action Plan, culminating in participation in critical investor meetings.

Successful candidates from this stage may advance to the Bloom Phase, where up to 10 startups will be awarded an additional €50,000 grant. This subsequent phase focuses on accelerating product development, market expansion, and executing robust strategic growth activities.

Clear Eligibility And Application Guidelines

To qualify, startups must be women-led with key leadership roles, such as CEO, CTO, or CSO, occupied by a woman. Eligible entities must operate within the GreenTech, AgriTech, or ClimateTech sectors and have been legally established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe associated country before January 1, 2025. Applicants are also required to meet at least one transversal criterion, such as achieving a significant product-market fit or securing a minimum funding threshold of €300,000.

Interested startups should create a profile on the EuroQuity platform and join the WE-RISE Greenhouse Community. The formal application, which must be submitted in English, is open from December 4, 2025, until the final deadline at 17:00 CET on February 12, 2026. Detailed information can be found on the WE-RISE Open Call 2 page.

Driving Commercial Impact Through Strategic Support

This well-structured initiative not only provides vital financial support, but also offers the strategic expertise necessary for these startups to scale effectively. The dual-phase approach—combining initial empowerment with subsequent acceleration—ensures that promising ventures are well-equipped to succeed in a competitive global market, reinforcing Cyprus’s emerging role as a hub for innovation.

Agriculture Ministry Extends Deadline For Strategic Investment Initiatives

Revised Timelines Strengthen Sector Support

The Agriculture Ministry, in coordination with the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation, has extended the submission deadline for applications to secure funding under the Major Investment Measure and Young Farmer Installation initiatives. This decision comes after extensive consultations with primary sector stakeholders, ensuring that the updated timeframe better accommodates the demands of a dynamic agricultural landscape.

Enhanced Funding Opportunities

The revised deadline now stands at March 31, 2026, replacing the initial cut-off date of January 30, 2026. The investment measures collectively offer a total budget of €67.5 million, exclusively accessible via the official payments organisation website. Applications must be submitted by accredited consultants approved by the Department of Agriculture, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to precision and expertise.

Modernization and Sustainability at the Forefront

The Major Investment Measure is distinguished by ten comprehensive reforms aimed at modernizing both livestock and crop farms. This initiative emphasizes enhanced competitiveness, sustainability, and significant improvements in environmental protection and animal welfare, including investment in waste processing and management. Such strategic investments are essential for adapting to modern challenges and elevating the primary sector.

Encouraging the Next Generation of Agriculturists

The Young Farmer Installation intervention targets the urgent need to rejuvenate an ageing agricultural workforce. By fostering competitive holdings under the guidance of emerging agricultural leaders—those who either already possess or are in the process of acquiring the necessary expertise—the program builds a sustainable future for farming communities.

Simplified Procedures and Integrated Digital Access

Streamlined protocols, including a dedicated licensing guide for agricultural and livestock structures, have been introduced to facilitate smoother application processes. Special arrangements with the Ministry of Interior and other competent agencies have further expedited licensing and operational approvals. Candidates must also be registered in the Register of Farmers and Agricultural Holdings to qualify.

Further Information

Detailed application manuals and additional instructions are available on the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027 website. The Agriculture Ministry anticipates that this extension will encourage higher quality proposals and facilitate more effective absorption of available European and national funds.

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