The European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) has published a set of nine new open calls under the 2025 EU4Health Work Programme, reflecting the European Commission’s health policy priorities through DG SANTE.

These calls cover topics including cancer screening (gastric, lung, prostate), cardiovascular and non-communicable diseases, AI and health data for biotech innovation, orphan medical devices (especially pediatric), pricing & access, and health conference funding.

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The indicative budget for all nine calls is €56,816,810.

How to Apply

Proposals must be submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal by 6 January 2026, 17:00 CET.

An information session will take place on 9 October 2025 (10:00–15:30 CET), offering guidance on preparing proposals. Applicants are encouraged to submit their questions in advance via Slido (code #EU4H2025).

Programme

EU4Health is the fourth and largest of the EU health programmes, created to strengthen Europe’s healthcare systems while also addressing urgent health priorities such as cancer, digital transformation, and cross-border preparedness.

These new calls provide an opportunity for public health authorities, research institutes, NGOs, and other stakeholders to access EU support for projects that deliver innovation, capacity building, and better health outcomes for citizens across Europe.

The Nine Open Calls

• EU4H-2026-SANTE-PJ-01 – Pilot and implement cancer screening programmes for gastric cancer; 
• EU4H-2026-SANTE-PJ-02 – Pilot and implement cancer screening programmes for lung cancer; 
• EU4H-2026-SANTE-PJ-03 – Pilot and implement cancer screening programmes for prostate cancer; 
• EU4H-2026-SANTE-PJ-04 – A European flagship initiative leveraging AI and health data for cardiovascular health and related non-communicable diseases (Advancing Risk Prediction, Prevention, Treatments, Personalised Care, Rehabilitation); 
• EU4H-2026-SANTE-PJ-05 – Lifelong prevention for a healthy life with a focus on cardiovascular diseases; 
• EU4H-2026-SANTE-PJ-06 – Support the development of a medicine pricing, reimbursement & access tracker via the EURIPID database; 
• EU4H-2026-SANTE-PJ-07 – Call for a programme on orphan medical devices, particularly for pediatric patients; 
• EU4H-2026-SANTE-PJ-08 – Health data for biotech innovation, leveraging the European Health Data Space; 
• EU4H-2026-SANTE-PJ-09 – Proposals to contribute to the organisation of conferences.

SheBuilds, in collaboration with Lovable, has launched applications for its upcoming 48-hour online hackathon exclusively for women. The event will run Monday, October 6, and Tuesday, October 7, bringing together 60 women founders, innovators, and builders to design, prototype, and launch new applications.

Who can apply 

Women (solo or in teams) who are 18 or older, have an active Lovable paid subscription, and have an idea they want to bring to life. First-time founders, makers, and students are welcome. No prior experience required! Participants will need a paid Lovable subscription to apply and participate.

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How the Hackathon Works

Participants will collaborate online for 48 hours using the Lovable platform, supported with unlimited build credits and real-time guidance from the Lovable team. A total of 60 spots are available, divided across three tracks:

• B2B Apps – 20 places
• Consumer Apps – 20 places
• Something Else – 20 places

Projects are evaluated on creativity & originality, impact/usefulness, execution & design, and future potential. Participants will have access to a dedicated Discord channel for questions, networking, and support, plus a direct support line to organizers.

Prizes & Benefits

Category winners will receive:

• Personal mentorship from growth strategist Elena Verna
• 5,000 Lovable credits to continue building after the event
• Visibility and promotion across SheBuilds and Lovable channels

How to Apply

Applications are now open via the SheBuilds Lovable portal. Places are limited to 60 women applicants across the three categories. Applications open on September 22 (American Business Women’s Day). Simply submit your application using the form above by September 29, 2025, at 12 PM EDT. Selections announced October 1st, 2025. 

About SheBuilds

SheBuilds is a global community dedicated to empowering women in technology, entrepreneurship, and product development. By partnering with Lovable, the hackathon aims to give women builders the tools, mentorship, and visibility needed to turn early-stage ideas into viable products.

Stanford Human-Centered AI (HAI) and Google DeepMind invite computer and management-science researchers worldwide to submit bold ideas on how AI can improve and reimagine organizations, with a specific emphasis on enhancing human collaboration inside organizations (not just individual productivity). Selected teams will partner with Google DeepMind researchers, study real-world impact, co-publish findings, and share their work across multiple platforms.

About the organizers

Stanford HAI advances research, education, and policy to improve the human condition with AI and to shape AI that augments human capabilities. Google DeepMind is a leading AI research organization known for fundamental advances in machine learning and AI for science. Together, they are convening this first-of-its-kind challenge to help the global academic community build the future of organizations. 

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Submission Categories

Proposals may be submitted under one of two categories:

• New Approaches – Applied research proposals that introduce interventions using AI capabilities to address real-world organizational challenges. These ideas should be testable through field experiments at Google DeepMind or its partner organizations. Proposals under this category will be evaluated on their potential for measurable, real-world impact.
• New Paradigms – Empirical research proposals that examine foundational questions about how organizations should evolve with AI. These projects are intended to surface new frameworks, mental models, or principles and will be evaluated primarily on the novelty and conceptual significance of their contribution.

Universal Challenges

Proposals under either category should address any or all of the following five universal challenges in organizational life:

• Strategic alignment – enhancing decision-making by clarifying priorities and linking local actions to global goals, without over-reliance on top-down control.
• Coordination – enabling dynamic teaming, clear roles, and seamless cross-boundary collaboration.
• Information flow – moving beyond static reporting to real-time situational awareness.
• Workforce design – integrating human and AI agents into adaptive organizational structures.
• Culture and listening – reinforcing core values, identifying engagement patterns, and promoting healthy collaboration in real time.

How to Apply

The challenge is open to faculty and researchers worldwide. Each submission must list a full-time, tenure-track faculty member as the Primary Investigator (or advisor). Teams may include students but cannot be affiliated with private-sector companies, nor can applicants reside in territories subject to U.S. sanctions.

• Stage 1 – Initial Proposal: A three-page proposal, due by October 24, 2025, 4:00 pm PT. Shortlisted teams will be notified by November 7, 2025.
• Stage 2 – Full Proposal (by invitation): Invited teams will refine their submissions, engage in a virtual pitch day in December 2025, and present at a public conference hosted at Stanford HAI.

Awards & Recognition

Finalists will gain access to a co-hosted platform for sharing their work, invitations to contribute to a special issue of the Journal of Organization Design, and opportunities to present in the “AI for Organizations” webinar series.

Top proposals in each category will receive:

• A research award of up to $100,000 to conduct their study.
• Where relevant, engineering support from Google DeepMind to build and deploy the idea.
• The opportunity to conduct the study at Google DeepMind or with a partner organization.

Launch Events & Contact

Two virtual launch events will be held on August 28, 2025, at 9:00–10:00 am PT and 6:00–7:00 pm PT (registration links available on the challenge page). Recordings will be made publicly accessible.

Applicants can consult the FAQ on the Stanford HAI website before submitting questions to ai-for-organizations@google.com

For more information, visit the link.

HERIFORGE has launched its first Open Call to fund innovative projects that merge immersive technologies with cultural heritage. The initiative is part of a broader mission to transform how cultural heritage is experienced, preserved, and reused across Europe. With a total budget of €300,000, the initiative will fund up to six projects, each eligible for a grant of up to €50,000, alongside a six-month mentoring and support programme.

Overview

The call invites SMEs, startups, NGOs, foundations, associations, and individuals (particularly those based in Cyprus, Poland, and Türkiye) to propose bold ideas that harness immersive tools such as AR/VR, XR, gamification, and digital twins. Applicants from other EU Member States or Horizon Europe–associated countries are also eligible, provided they can demonstrate a local presence in one of the three partner countries.

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Up to six projects will be selected, each receiving:

• Funding of up to €50,000
• Six months of tailored mentoring and technical support from experts in immersive tech, cultural heritage, and business development

How to Apply

• Applications must be submitted through the HERIFORGE Open Call page
• Deadline: 27 October 2025, 17:00 CET
• All proposals should clearly demonstrate how immersive technologies can create sustainable impact in cultural heritage preservation, engagement, or reuse.
• Each applicant may submit up to two proposals, provided they address different areas of the call. Only the highest-scoring proposal per applicant will be funded.
• Proposals must be submitted in English.

Programme Objectives

Cultural heritage is increasingly being recognized as a resource for identity, cohesion, and sustainable development, rather than simply an archive of the past. Yet many digital collections remain fragmented, project results are rarely reused beyond their initial scope, and collaboration between cultural organisations and technology players is often weak.

HERIFORGE aims to overcome these barriers by supporting place-based innovation ecosystems in Cyprus, Poland, and Türkiye. The programme’s objectives are to link cultural institutions with immersive technology solutions, support creative experimentation, and build models of digital heritage innovation that can be scaled across Europe.

About HERIFORGE

HERIFORGE is a European initiative bringing together leading organizations from the cultural heritage and digital technology sectors. Its goal is to support cross-border collaboration, leverage creative experimentation, and demonstrate new models for the digital transformation of cultural heritage.

The ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence (CoE), with support and funding from the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy (DMRID), has opened applications to the SpaceBIC Cyprus incubation programme. The incubator  aims to back early-stage teams using satellite data, space technologies, or geoinformation services to target societal and market needs.

The total incubation period for selected participants at Space BIC by ERATOSTHENES CoE will take place over 48 months, divided into two scheduled cycles. The first cycle will last from 17th December 2025 until 17th December 2027. The second cycle will be announced at a later date.

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Who should apply

SpaceBIC is open to:

• Startups, SMEs, or individual entrepreneurs legally established in areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus, or planning to establish operations there.
• Newly established companies or new (less than a year old)
• All proposed solutions must show a clear space connection: downstream (EO, sat-nav, sat-com, tech transfer), upstream (launchers, satellites, ground systems, human spaceflight), or geoinformation services, plus a viable business case with market potential.

Benefits

• €50,000 non-equity funding (De Minimis).
• 24 months of structured incubation at ERATOSTHENES CoE (Limassol), with remote support as needed.
• Dedicated workspace, infrastructure & equipment access for prototyping/small-scale production.
• Technical support via RTO/university labs; hands-on expert mentoring and training.
• Market access & networking with corporates, investors, and international partners.
• Help navigating R&D/innovation calls and funding pathways (angels, VCs, banks).

How to apply

1. Check your eligibility. 
2. Contact the Space BIC by ERATOSTHENES CoE team to help determine if your business idea is suitable for incubation, elaborate on the requirements for applicants, and provide more information about the incubation program.
3. Download the Application Pack from the SpaceBIC site.
4. Prepare and submit the required documents:
   • Business Plan (≤25 pages) and Incubation Proposal (≤25 pages)
   • Cover Letter & Requirements Checklist, Space-Connection Self-Assessment, De Minimis Declaration
   • CVs of key team members (1 page each)
   • Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable)
   • Optional: Letters of Support/MoUs
   • Excel pack: SWOT, risk assessment, P&L, incubation timeline, and funding tasks.
5. Evaluation: Initial compliance check → presentation/interview → scoring by an evaluation committee using predefined criteria and weights.

First round of applications deadline: 15th October 2025

SpaceBIC selects at least two startups per 24-month incubation cycle.

Contact: info@spacebic.cy or 25002908 for questions and queries. 

Expanding Horizons

Cyprus Seeds, a pioneer in fostering research commercialisation and innovation projects both domestically and abroad, is strategically expanding its lean team. With a robust seven-year legacy and an impressive portfolio of academic and commercial achievements, the non-profit organization is set to double its workforce by recruiting two key professionals.

Leadership Role: Head Of Innovation Support Unit

The organization is seeking an experienced, full-time Head of the Innovation Support Unit to spearhead its participation in major European-funded projects. This role is pivotal in managing initiatives such as the Horizon Europe-backed PHAETHON project, aimed at establishing the FOSS Research Centre for Sustainable Energy as a Centre of Excellence, and the national digital hub DiGiNN. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating project deliverables, preparing detailed reports for the European Commission and national authorities, and developing advanced innovation management services. Essential qualifications include a master’s degree, hands-on experience with Horizon Europe projects, and a firm grasp of research commercialisation and intellectual property dynamics. Additional credentials in project management and entrepreneurship will be regarded as assets.

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Operational Excellence: Innovation Project Officer

In addition to the leadership role, Cyprus Seeds is recruiting an Innovation Project Officer to bolster the operational framework of its European project portfolio. This role will provide critical support in ensuring the seamless execution of tasks related to the PHAETHON initiative. The appointment reflects the organization’s commitment to reinforcing its innovation ecosystem and operational efficiency.

Trailblazing Achievements And Future Prospects

Over the past seven years, Cyprus Seeds has made significant strides in enhancing the commercial viability of academic research. The organization has funded 24 scientific projects, facilitated the launch of five spin-offs, and secured two licensing agreements, while collaborating with internationally renowned entities such as The MIT Deshpande Centre, The Hellenic Initiative, the egg accelerator, Conception X, and DTU’s Skylab.

Ranked by the Financial Times in 2025 as one of Europe’s Leading Start-Up Hubs, Cyprus Seeds continues to fortify its leadership in innovation by actively engaging in landmark projects like the €45 million PHAETHON Centre of Excellence and DiGiNN, which focuses on intelligent, sustainable energy solutions and digital transformation.

Join A Forward-Thinking Initiative

The new roles not only offer competitive remuneration—including a thirteenth salary and hybrid work options—but also provide a unique opportunity to collaborate with top-tier universities, EU institutions, and international research partners. Interested candidates are invited to submit their CVs by September 30, 2025, to the designated email address.

Introduction

The Cypriot Labour Ministry has launched a €4 million initiative aimed at reintegrating inactive women into the workforce through flexible employment arrangements. Co-funded by the European Union’s Social Fund Plus under the THALEIA 2021–2027 programme, this forward-thinking measure targets the employment of at least 470 women, thereby bolstering economic inclusivity.

Scheme Mechanics And Financial Incentives

Under the scheme, employers benefit from a daily subsidy of €48 for the first ten months of employment, irrespective of the actual wage costs incurred. This subsidy is followed by an obligatory two-month period during which the employee must be retained without further support, culminating in a maximum subsidy of €8,600 over a 12‐month contract period. Such structured incentivization underscores a commitment to sustained employment and fiscal prudence.

Eligibility Criteria And Employment Conditions

To qualify, the scheme mandates that the new hire must be an “inactive woman” – a status defined by the absence of current or recent employment registrations with the Public Employment Service. Furthermore, the role must be offered under flexible conditions, including options such as full or alternating telework, flexible scheduling, individual working-time accounts, compressed work weeks, part-time contracts, or job sharing. These arrangements must be clearly documented within the employment contract and remain verifiable throughout any subsequent audits.

Application Process And Compliance

Employers eligible to participate must be based within areas under the effective control of the Republic, hold valid Social Insurance registration, and have CY Login access. Each entity is permitted to hire up to five women per funding call, provided they adhere to strict notification and application timelines through the Labour Department’s online platform. New hires must not have been employed by the same company or its affiliates within the prior eight months, and all positions must meet the national minimum wage standards, which start at €900 gross for full-time roles, increasing to €1,000 after six months.

Monitoring And Accountability Measures

To ensure transparency and adherence to the scheme’s regulations, employers are required to maintain separate electronic files for each hire for a period of at least five years. The initiative is governed by the EU’s de minimis regulation, with total aid capped at €300,000 per undertaking over a rolling three-year period. Furthermore, payment claims can be distributed over up to three instalments or in one consolidated instalment after 12 months, with strict recovery provisions in place for any discrepancies or fraudulent activities.

Strategic Impact And Broader Implications

This initiative is a critical component of the government’s broader active employment strategies, designed to reduce poverty, enhance social inclusion, and integrate vulnerable segments of society into the mainstream labour market. With applications open since September 5, employers have a finite window to secure funding before the allocated budget is depleted or the call is formally closed. Should an application be rejected, there is a structured 21-day appeal process, adding an extra layer of procedural fairness.

Introduction

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve), in its role as coordinator for the Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus, has announced that the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) is extending substantial funding opportunities to the private sector. This initiative underscores Cyprus’s commitment to advancing research, innovation, and competitiveness across industries.

Investing In The Future

As a pivotal component of Cyprus’s research and innovation ecosystem, the RIF has unveiled a series of funding programmes backed by a total budget of €18,015,000. These programmes are designed to enhance competitiveness, promote international market engagement, and stimulate groundbreaking innovation that can drive businesses on a global scale.

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Strategic Information Sessions

To ensure that the business community is well informed, the RIF is organizing a series of personalized information sessions across all districts. A designated RIF officer will be available at the Keve offices from 08:00 to 15:00 on specific dates, including 4 and 18 September, 2, 16 and 30 October, 13 and 27 November, and 11 December. These sessions are set up by prior appointment, guaranteeing that each company receives tailored guidance and can gain direct access to critical funding details.

Driving Competitiveness Through Support

These one-on-one meetings are structured to provide comprehensive support to company representatives, ensuring they have all the information required to capitalize on these funding opportunities. By fostering an environment of direct communication and expert advice, the RIF is proactively strengthening the bridge between innovative research and practical business applications.

Conclusion

With this targeted funding initiative, Cyprus is strategically positioning its private sector for enhanced global competitiveness. The structured outreach and personalized support provided through these sessions are poised to unlock significant growth opportunities, marking a decisive step forward in the nation’s innovation agenda.

Globally, women account for around one-third of business ownership. Yet they attract less than 3 percent of venture capital funding, a gap rooted in how investors perceive and engage with female founders. According to the Female Founders Fund, women are more likely to be asked risk-focused questions, interrupted nearly five times more often during pitches, and described in cautious terms, while their male peers are praised as visionary.

Europe faces the same imbalance. Women represent only 13.7 percent of the founders behind startups valued at more than $1 million, and when pitching the same business opportunity, female-led teams secure on average 14 percent less capital than their male counterparts, according to research compiled by Female Switch. This disparity persists despite evidence that companies with women in leadership often outperform their peers and deliver strong returns for investors.

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Cyprus faces many of the same challenges seen globally. Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles within the startup ecosystem, reflecting wider gaps in technology and business where female participation is rising, but advancement into senior positions remains limited. Programmes tailored specifically to female entrepreneurs are still rare. Initiatives such as the Cyprus-based Aurora Tech Award have begun to highlight the potential of women-led ventures, but more consistent pathways are needed to provide capital, networks, and visibility for founders seeking to scale.

The rationale for dedicated funding programmes is not to tick a box on diversity but to confront systemic barriers directly. Female founders consistently cite access to capital, networks, and mentors as the tools they need most to succeed, yet these are the very resources most often denied to them. Tailored initiatives respond to this gap by equipping women working in the technology sector with practical means to overcome stereotypes, bias and burnout, rather than expecting them to compete on unequal terms. According to OECD data, participants in women-focused accelerators have reported revenue growth up to five times higher than peers in general programmes. Meanwhile, analysis by Harvard Business Review found that a 10 percent increase in female investing partners at venture firms correlates with stronger portfolio returns and more profitable exits. Beyond financial performance, these initiatives strengthen ecosystems by creating role models, building networks, and widening access to opportunity.

For women founders in Cyprus, access to tailored support in the technology sector remains limited. Yet several European and global programmes are open to applicants from the island, providing not only capital but also technical expertise, mentorship, and international networks. The following seven initiatives represent some of the most relevant opportunities for women leading startups in technology and innovation today.

1. Aurora Tech Award

A global equity-free competition that recognises women founders of IT and tech startups. Winners share $85,000 in prizes ($50,000 for first place, $20,000 for second, and $15,000 for third). Beyond the cash award, finalists gain access to mentoring and international networks, raising visibility for women-led ventures worldwide.

Eligibility: Women founders in IT/tech.
What’s on offer: Cash awards, mentoring, investor connections.
How to apply: Annual application via the Aurora Tech Award website.

2. Open Horizons Project (EU programme)

Backed by Horizon Europe, Open Horizons provides equity-free grants of up to €55,000. It supports women-led digital and deep-tech startups with mentoring and access to corporate partners for pilot projects. The programme also helps founders strengthen their commercial pathways.

Eligibility: Startups led by women in the EU or Horizon-associated countries.
What’s on offer: Equity-free funding, mentoring, and corporate pilot support.
How to apply: Calls for proposals open periodically via the official EU portal.

3. Female Founders “Grow F” Startup Program

A five-week investment-readiness bootcamp designed for gender-diverse European teams. Startups receive structured mentoring, pitch training, and introductions to investors. The programme is equity-free, charging only a small fee and a success fee if fundraising follows.

Eligibility: Teams with at least one female co-founder.
What’s on offer: Mentoring, pitch training, investor access.
How to apply: Applications open twice per year.

4. Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First

A ten-week hybrid accelerator for Seed to Series A startups building AI-driven products. Participants receive technical mentorship, business strategy support, and Google Cloud credits, along with access to Google’s global network.

Eligibility: AI-first startups headquartered in Europe or Israel.
What’s on offer: Mentorship, technical expertise, Google Cloud support.
How to apply: Online application via the Google for Startups portal.

5. Fund F (Europe)

An early-stage VC fund dedicated exclusively to women-led startups. Its €28 million fund aims to invest in around 25 startups, with initial ticket sizes around €300,000.

Eligibility: At least one female co-founder.
What’s on offer: VC funding, network access, growth support.
How to apply: Direct pitch submissions through Fund F’s website.

6. Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund II (Europe)

Auxxo invests €350,000–€800,000 in early-stage startups where women hold at least 20% founder equity. Its second fund has raised €26 million to back around 30 startups, with a strong focus on equity ownership by women.

Eligibility: Female co-founder with ≥20% equity.
What’s on offer: VC funding, mentorship, portfolio support.
How to apply: Applications via Auxxo’s website.

7. Female Founders Fund (US/global)

The first venture fund focused exclusively on women founders at the seed stage. It has built a strong track record backing female-led companies globally, especially in technology and innovation.

Eligibility: Female-founded startups at the seed stage.
What’s on offer: Seed funding, founder network, investor connections.
How to apply: Pitch submissions through the fund’s website.

8. Calm/Storm Ventures (Austria)

An early-stage VC firm specializing in digital health, well-being, and impact-driven technology across Europe. Around half of its portfolio companies are female- or diversity-led, reflecting its commitment to changing who gets funded. From the very beginning, Calm/Storm has deliberately sought out women founders, as mentioned by Partner Johannes Blaschke in an interview with The Future Media, where he discussed rethinking healthtech and the importance of backing founders who challenge convention.

Eligibility: Startups in digital health, climate, or productivity with diverse teams.
What’s on offer: Early-stage funding, network access.
How to apply: Applications via Calm/Storm’s website.

9. Impact Shakers Accelerator (Europe)

A six-month accelerator for diverse, impact-focused startups. Provides an initial €250,000 investment, with potential follow-on funding up to €1.5 million. It also offers intensive mentoring and network access across Europe.

Eligibility: Diverse founding teams, impact-driven startups.
What’s on offer: Seed funding, follow-on capital, mentoring.
How to apply: Rolling applications via Impact Shakers’ website.

10. HearstLab (US with European reach)

Backed by the global media group Hearst, HearstLab invests in women-led, tech-enabled startups. It has invested more than $100 million across 70+ companies. Its “Pitch HearstLab” events also award $100,000 to winners.

Eligibility: Women-led, tech startups.
What’s on offer: Funding, mentoring, media connections.
How to apply: Apply directly or attend Pitch HearstLab events.

11. Cross-Border Impact Ventures (Canada/global)

A $90 million fund investing in healthtech startups that improve the lives of women, children, and adolescents worldwide. Open to international startups, including those from Cyprus.

Eligibility: Healthtech startups with measurable social impact.
What’s on offer: VC funding, impact-focused networks.
How to apply: Pitch submissions via the CBIV website.

12. Astia Fund (US/global)

A $100 million VC fund and global network investing in early-stage startups with women in leadership. In addition to capital, Astia provides mentorship, advocacy, and international investor introductions.

Eligibility: Startups with women in leadership roles.
What’s on offer: Funding, mentorship, investor network.
How to apply: Applications via Astia’s website.

Final Note

For women founders in Cyprus, the path to funding and visibility is still marked by systemic challenges. Yet the opportunities highlighted here, from equity-free awards such as the Aurora Tech Award, to accelerators like Google for Startups AI First, to dedicated venture funds including Auxxo and the Female Founders Fund, demonstrate that tailored support is growing.

These programmes do more than provide capital. They create access to mentorship, international networks, and role models, which research shows are critical in overcoming bias and building resilient businesses. The presence of global players such as Calm/Storm Ventures and Astia shows that investors are increasingly aware of the value women bring to innovation and growth.

The challenge for Cyprus now is to connect its own emerging talent pool with these international pathways. Doing so will not only unlock opportunities for individual founders but also strengthen the country’s wider technology ecosystem as it pursues Vision 2035.

The Cyprus Entrepreneurship Competition (CyEC) is once again opening its doors to the island’s most ambitious innovators. Organised by the University of Cyprus Centre for Entrepreneurship (C4E) and held under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, the 2025 edition targets those developing their first market-ready product (Accelerator) and those with existing products ready to scale (Launchpad). 

CyEC’s mission is to nurture a dynamic entrepreneurship culture across Cyprus, engaging students, researchers, academics, graduates, and professionals. By leveraging the University’s research, infrastructure, and expertise, the competition equips founders to compete internationally and deliver solutions that address real-world challenges.

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Participants benefit from a structured programme of workshops, mentorship, and investor engagement, designed in collaboration with local and international partners. Whether refining a new concept or preparing to attract significant capital, CyEC provides the platform, network, and resources to support high-growth ambitions.

Two Pathways to Success: Accelerator and Launchpad

CyEC 2025 offers two participation tracks:

The Accelerator is tailored for early-stage startups seeking to develop their business ideas into viable ventures. It includes:

• Workshops and Seminars – covering topics such as business model development, financial planning, marketing strategies, and legal considerations.
• Mentorship – guidance and feedback from experienced mentors assigned to each team.
• Business Plan Development – teams are required to create a comprehensive business plan detailing a clear strategy and objectives.
• Pitch Presentation – finals present their business plans to a judging panel in a closed session, followed by a public pitch at the CyEC Final Conference.

The Accelerator concludes with an award ceremony, where winners receive monetary prizes and recognition.
Application window: 1 August – 10 September 2025.

The Launchpad is designed for mature startups with an existing product or service. It focuses on:

• Pitching to Investors – presenting ventures directly to potential investors during the Entrepreneurship Forum.
• Optional Workshops – access to the Accelerator’s foundational courses, available but not mandatory.

The Launchpad offers a platform to gain exposure and secure funding without the time commitment of the Accelerator.
Application window: 1 August – 3 November 2025.

Both tracks culminate in investor-facing events, giving founders the opportunity to secure critical funding and strategic partnerships.

Criteria

For both tracks, teams must have at least two members, with at least one resident of the Republic of Cyprus. All applicants must be over 18 years of age.

Company registration is optional but preferred for the Accelerator; however, Launchpad applicants must have a registered company. Companies must be registered in Cyprus or have concrete plans to register locally. In all cases, they should be in the early stages, defined as less than five years since incorporation.

The competition expresses a preference for startups that have raised less than €50,000 in equity capital or grants. Teams above this threshold remain eligible but must provide a detailed disclosure of prior funding in their application.

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Significant growth potential in the global market, with scalability within the next 12 months.
• Capabilities for launch, including the skills and expertise to bring their product or service to market.
• Clear business potential, communicated effectively during the application and pitch process.

Late applications are not accepted, and the organising committee retains the right to disqualify entries that do not align with CyEC’s objectives.

Beyond the Prize

While the 2025 prize amounts have yet to be announced, past competitions have offered substantial cash awards to top-performing teams, but for many participants, the real value lies in the benefits that extend beyond the financial backing that CyEC provides.

• Mentorship and Expert Guidance – participants gain access to experienced mentors and industry experts who provide personalised advice and support. This guidance helps teams refine business models, develop effective strategies, and navigate the challenges of launching and scaling a startup.
• Educational Workshops and Skill Development – through a series of workshops and seminars, founders acquire practical knowledge in business planning, marketing, financial management, and legal considerations. These sessions equip entrepreneurs with the skills needed to build and sustain successful ventures.
• Networking Opportunities – CyEC facilitates connections with a diverse network of investors, academics, and fellow entrepreneurs. These relationships can lead to partnerships, collaborations, and access to additional resources essential for growth.
• Exposure to Investors and the Business Community – finalists present their ventures at the annual Entrepreneurship Forum, gaining visibility among potential investors and industry leaders. This exposure often opens doors to funding opportunities and strategic alliances.
• Integration into the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem – participants join a vibrant ecosystem supported by the University of Cyprus’s Centre for Entrepreneurship (C4E). This integration ensures ongoing support and access to resources even after the competition ends, creating a foundation for long-term success.

Alumni Impact

Several alumni illustrate how CyEC can accelerate growth and open international opportunities.

Malloc: an AI-driven cybersecurity startup focused on mobile and app security. Their products help people stay safe and private online by blocking anyone from recording or transmitting data without their knowledge. 

Bolsterup: the first digital ecosystem that brings all the players of the construction industry together under one roof, providing a digital blueprint of completed and upcoming projects, featuring contributors, their capabilities, products, and services. It gives its users the power to create digital portfolios, identify and connect with other professionals to create future collaborations, and expand their reach to other markets. 

Heroes Made is a platform for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) designed for elementary schools. It features avatar customization, allowing students to personalize their SEL journey. 

iQ3solar is a platform powered by AI/ML algorithms, along with the dedicated and patented degradation sensors is a game-changer for PV system operators. It offers the operators early detection, unsupervised monitoring, and decision recommendations for the PV park, minimizing human error.

Strengthening Cyprus’s Innovation Economy

CyEC plays a direct role in building a sustainable and competitive business ecosystem in Cyprus. By combining the University of Cyprus’s research capabilities with practical mentorship, skill-based training, and investor exposure, it creates the conditions for new ventures to grow and succeed.

The Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry’s endorsement reflects the competition’s role in supporting innovation-driven entrepreneurship as part of the country’s long-term economic strategy. Through its workshops, networking opportunities, and integration into the wider entrepreneurial community, CyEC helps retain local talent, attract investment, and prepare startups for entry into international markets.

Applications Now Open

Entrepreneurs ready to take their venture to the next stage, whether building a prototype or preparing for global expansion, should consider the following deadlines:

• Accelerator: 1 August – 10 September 2025
• Launchpad: 1 August – 3 November 2025

CyEC 2025 offers more than a competition — it’s a platform for turning ambition into achievement and ideas into impactful, scalable businesses.

More information and applications can be found on the CyEC website: https://www.cyec.org.cy/