Applications Open For Cyprus Youth Entrepreneurship Awards 2026

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has opened applications for the 2026 edition of its Youth Entrepreneurship Awards, which are being held for the ninth consecutive year.

Overview Under Presidential Auspices

Held under the auspices of President Nikos Christodoulides, the initiative recognises entrepreneurs under the age of 40 across sectors including commerce, industry, services, tourism, shipping, research, innovation, technology and culture. This year’s edition also introduces a new category for young entrepreneurs from the Cypriot diaspora based in Greece and the United Kingdom.

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Comprehensive Eligibility And Criteria

Applications are open to entrepreneurs who have established their own businesses, as well as successors leading family-owned companies. Eligible businesses must primarily operate in Cyprus, while the newly introduced diaspora category applies to entrepreneurs based in Greece and the United Kingdom. The awards are open to both newly established ventures and established businesses undergoing leadership transitions.

Rigorous Evaluation Process

A special committee appointed by Keve will rigorously assess contenders on multiple fronts. Evaluation criteria include entrepreneurship, innovation, business performance, reputation, social responsibility and the development of new products or services. The committee will also assess leadership, personal contribution to business growth and future development plans. Additional factors include environmental responsibility, efficient use of resources, sustainability initiatives, international expansion and job creation.

Awards Ceremony And Strategic Partnerships

Nominations must be submitted by July 17, 2026, through the online application process. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 7, 2026, and will bring together influential business leaders and innovators from Cyprus and abroad. The initiative is organised in collaboration with Thessalonikis Dromena magazine and supported by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry and Eurobank.

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Eurobank Launches First UPI Cross-Border Payment From Greece To India

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 10, 2026

Eurobank has launched its first cross-border payment from Greece to India through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), marking a new step in the bank’s international expansion and its strategy to strengthen financial ties between Europe and India.

The transaction, completed in cooperation with NPCI International, follows the launch of Eurobank’s new payment service. The inaugural payment was made in the presence of India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Eurobank Chief Executive Fokion Karavias and senior executives from NPCI International.

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A Strategic Bet On India’s Digital Payments Ecosystem

According to Eleftherios Vlachogiannis, Eurobank’s head of transaction banking, the service currently supports outgoing payments by Indian citizens living in Greece to recipients in India, representing the first phase of a broader collaboration with NPCI International.

UPI is operated by NPCI International. By integrating the system into its e-banking platform and mobile app, Eurobank enables customers to make real-time transfers.

“The most important aspect is the philosophy behind the initiative,” Vlachogiannis said. “Instead of creating another closed payment system, we are integrating mature and internationally recognised payment ecosystems into the bank’s services so customers enjoy a simple, secure and modern transaction experience.”

He added: “Innovation creates value when it delivers a genuine benefit for the customer.”

Building A Financial Bridge Between Europe And India

The UPI launch follows Eurobank’s opening of a representative office in Mumbai, making it the first Greek and Cypriot bank with a physical presence in India. The bank has also expanded its presence through the India-Greece-Cyprus Business and Investment Council, a technology centre in Pune and partnerships with Indian institutions.

Vlachogiannis said India’s economic growth and closer ties with the European Union support the bank’s long-term strategy. He also pointed to progress in negotiations on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement.

Mumbai Office Serves As A Regional Business Hub

Eurobank’s Mumbai office supports businesses seeking to establish operations between India, Greece, Cyprus and the wider European market. It provides access to banking services, business networks and market support.

For Greek companies expanding into India, the bank offers international payments, foreign exchange management, trade finance and supply chain finance. Indian businesses investing in Greece, Cyprus or elsewhere in the European Union can also access financing and corporate banking services through Eurobank.

Aiming To Strengthen The India-Europe Corridor

Looking ahead, Eurobank said it will continue investing in technology, international payments, trade finance and partnerships with Indian organisations.

“Our ambition is to act not only as a banking services provider but also as a strategic partner for businesses and investors seeking to benefit from the opportunities created by this dynamic market,” Vlachogiannis said.

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