Cyprus is looking to deepen its connections with Silicon Valley and expand opportunities for local technology companies through international partnerships, investor access and knowledge exchange.

The effort was a central focus of Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou’s visit to the Plug and Play Summit 2026 in California, where he met with technology leaders, investors and representatives of international innovation ecosystems.

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Damianou described the visit as “very productive days” focused on strengthening international connections and creating new opportunities for collaboration.

Connecting Cyprus With Global Markets

The summit forms part of the government’s wider strategy to position Cyprus as a regional technology and innovation hub and strengthen its links with the US business community. The objective is to turn these relationships into practical opportunities for local companies, including access to expertise, investment and international markets.

During the visit, Damianou met Plug and Play founder and chief executive Saeed Amidi and EMEA managing partner Seena Amidi. Discussions focused on how the organisation’s cooperation with Cyprus could help domestic businesses connect with its global network.

He also thanked Saeed Amidi for hosting the delegation in Sunnyvale and supporting stronger ties between Cyprus and the international business community.

Government Steps Up Its Investment Drive

The visit comes as President Nikos Christodoulides places high-quality investment among the government’s strategic priorities. Addressing the annual general meeting of the Association of Large Investment Projects, he said efforts were under way to maintain economic stability, improve the business environment and advance reforms aimed at strengthening investor confidence.

“We are working to create the necessary framework so that attracting quality investment becomes an achievable goal,” Christodoulides said.

He also announced plans to join a business mission to the United States towards the end of November, citing growing interest from American companies. The visit is intended to present Cyprus’ investment opportunities in cooperation with the US administration.

Exploring Research And Technology Partnerships

Damianou’s programme included meetings with delegations from South Korea, Egypt and Taiwan, as well as Copenhagen’s mayor of health, to discuss their innovation ecosystems and potential areas of cooperation.

At SRI International, he explored advanced research, technology transfer and the commercialisation of innovation, alongside possible partnerships with Cyprus.

Meetings with technology companies including Snowflake and PayPal provided further insight into emerging solutions and their potential contribution to the country’s innovation ecosystem.

Damianou was accompanied by Theodoros Loukaidis, director-general of the Research and Innovation Foundation.

Mobilising The Cypriot Diaspora

A round-table discussion titled “Cyprus and Innovation”, organised by Cyprus Catalyst, brought Damianou together with members of the Cypriot diaspora in the United States, including scientists and other professionals.

The discussion examined developments in Cyprus’ research, innovation and technology sectors, as well as how professionals abroad could contribute expertise, business connections and international visibility.

Established following Christodoulides’ meetings in San Francisco in April 2025, Cyprus Catalyst aims to connect the global Cypriot diaspora with the country’s domestic innovation ecosystem. Its work focuses on supporting startups, facilitating knowledge exchange and improving access to investors and overseas markets.

Further meetings with business organisations and other institutions explored opportunities for cooperation in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

For Cyprus, the next step will be translating these international connections into tangible outcomes, from investment and research partnerships to new commercial opportunities for local businesses.