In a significant move towards fostering future tech leaders, Bending Spoons has launched the Bending Spoons Fellowship, offering up to €1.5 million in scholarships. This initiative aims to empower outstanding university students in computer science and related fields across Europe and the UK.

Details of the Fellowship Program

The fellowship program will provide ten scholarships worth €50,000 each annually, renewable for up to three years, to high-achieving students. This initiative is designed to provide not just financial support but also mentorship and optional paid internships, either virtually or at their headquarters in Milan.

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Costanza Mazzei, the talent manager at Bending Spoons, emphasizes, “We believe exceptional talent deserves exceptional opportunities. Our fellowship aims to offer Europe’s most driven students the liberty, resources, and support necessary to reach the pinnacle of excellence.”

Applications for the Bending Spoons Fellowship open on February 10, 2026, with successful candidates notified by June 2026. Additionally, this fellowship aligns with Bending Spoons’ broader efforts to expand opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Supporting Emerging Cyber Talent

The Bending Spoons Fellowship demonstrates the company’s commitment to encouraging tech brilliance and addressing the shortage of skilled tech professionals. Furthermore, this initiative comes as the EU demographic shifts show an increase in foreign-born residents, as highlighted by recent EU demographics data.

Invitation For Strategic Collaboration

The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Cyprus, in partnership with the local Chamber of Commerce, has extended a distinguished invitation to small and medium‐sized enterprises and startups to participate in the MWC Open Innovation Challenge 2026. This significant initiative, organized by ACCIÓ, a key department within the Catalan Government’s Ministry of Enterprise and Labour, is set to attract industry leaders and emerging innovators alike.

Global Forum For Innovation

The event is designed to convene corporates, investors, and technology providers in a dynamic setting to co-create solutions addressing real-world technological challenges. Participants will have the opportunity to connect during the MWC and 4YFN Barcelona congress, where breakthrough ideas and collaboration strategies will be spotlighted.

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Flexible Participation Formats

Attendees can choose from physical, online, or hybrid formats tailored to their schedules and business objectives. The in-person B2B engagements are scheduled to occur from March 2, 2026, to March 5, 2026, at the 4YFN Congress in Barcelona, specifically at the ACCIÓ Stand in Hall 8. These sessions, structured as focused 30-minute meetings, are exclusively reserved for corporate representatives presenting challenges and technology providers offering strategic solutions.

Digital Engagement For Global Reach

For those unable to travel, online B2B meetings will be facilitated via the b2match platform from March 9, 2026, to March 13, 2026. This digital format ensures that participants, including Cypriot startups, can seamlessly connect with large international companies and public entities eager to explore innovative technologies.

Streamlined Registration And Matchmaking

The challenge is open to technology and solution providers free of charge. Interested businesses must register on the platform by completing a comprehensive company profile. This profile should include a succinct pitch, a professional biography, and a detailed outline of the firm’s technological capabilities. Registration is limited to one participant per company, although additional representatives are welcome to attend the B2B meetings. Once validated, participants can begin scheduling meetings based on corporates’ published challenges, with final acceptance determined by the respective corporates.

Business-Driven Agenda

Participants will receive a personalized meeting agenda through the digital platform, ‘My Schedule’, which will detail all confirmed meeting times and sessions. This structured approach ensures that every interaction is geared toward harnessing commercial potential and driving actionable collaborations.

The MWC Open Innovation Challenge 2026 represents a landmark opportunity for Cypriot enterprises to forge key international partnerships and propel forward-thinking technological solutions. For further details and to register as a technology or solution provider, please visit the official registration page.

Introduction

The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) in Cyprus, in collaboration with the Agrifood and Digitalisation Sector Groups, is set to host an incisive webinar on February 10, 2025. This event will introduce the agrifood Testing and Experimentation Facility (agrifoodTEF), a flagship European initiative designed to accelerate technology validation in the agrifood sector.

About AgrifoodTEF

Funded under the Digital Europe Programme, agrifoodTEF provides specialized infrastructure that enables rigorous testing and validation of emerging technologies under real-world conditions. The facility plays a critical role in assessing innovations such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and automation—services that are particularly relevant as companies prepare for forthcoming regulatory frameworks like the EU AI Act.

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Robust European Network and Support

The initiative is supported by a network of nine hubs across Europe, offering over 300 services to help businesses mitigate technical and regulatory risks prior to market entry. Notably, agrifoodTEF offers substantial financial support, with public funding covering at least 80% of the associated costs, thereby enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to drive innovation while managing expenditure effectively.

Webinar Details and Benefits

Coordinated by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve), the webinar will be conducted online via MS Teams from 12:00 to 13:30. The session will outline the core services provided by the European agrifoodTEF network, supported by practical examples of collaboration among partner institutions. Participants, particularly agrifood and agritech SMEs engaged in precision agriculture, food processing automation, and robotics, will gain valuable insights to reduce innovation costs and align with evolving industry standards.

Engagement and Future Prospects

In addition to the detailed presentation, a dedicated question and answer session will allow direct interaction, ensuring that attendees can address their specific challenges and opportunities. In doing so, EEN Cyprus reinforces its commitment to supporting the digital transformation of the local agricultural sector through robust international networks and collaborative expertise.

Conclusion

This webinar represents a significant opportunity for businesses to harness European expertise and infrastructure support, setting the stage for a new era of agrifood innovation. With challenges evolving alongside technological advancements, initiatives like agrifoodTEF are essential for companies aiming to lead in a competitive global market.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

Empowering Cross-Community Entrepreneurship

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is set to once again champion bi-communal economic collaboration in Cyprus, announcing the 16th edition of the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Co-operation with an increased total prize fund of €500,000. This prestigious accolade reaffirms Sir Stelios’ enduring commitment to fostering harmonious business relations between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs.

Enhanced Financial Incentives for Sustainable Growth

In a strategic move to further strengthen cross-community partnerships, the award structure has been augmented for the second consecutive year. Eighteen entrepreneurs, organized into nine bi-communal teams, will compete for substantial financial backing designed to stimulate reinvestment, growth, and stability in their business ventures.

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Structured Award Categories and Prize Distribution

The awards program delineates three categories of recognition. The Gold category allocates a total of €150,000, awarding €75,000 to each entrepreneur in a winning team. Two teams will share the Silver prize, receiving a cumulative €200,000, each member earning €100,000. Meanwhile, six teams competing for the Bronze award will see a combined allocation of €150,000, translating to €25,000 per team or €12,500 per entrepreneur.

A Clear Path to Application

Applications open on January 8, 2026, and will remain accessible until April 30, 2026. Interested candidates are invited to download the application form and submit the completed document via email to Marios Missirlis at the provided contact address. Eligibility extends to Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot business owners with an annual turnover of at least €10,000 and a functioning business staff beyond the owner. Moreover, applicants must provide documentation substantiating joint business endeavors in both communities. Notably, past winners and previous applicants are encouraged to reapply.

A Celebration of Shared Vision and Prosperity

The winners will be announced by Sir Stelios on June 4, 2026, at the Head Offices of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation in Nicosia. Sir Stelios emphasizes that these awards transcend mere financial incentives, embodying the transformative power of entrepreneurship to bridge historical divides and cultivate a forward-looking economic landscape in Cyprus.

A Legacy of Peace and Progress

Now marking 16 years of bi-communal cooperation, the Stelios Awards have grown to an impressive cumulative value of €5.3 million. They are a cornerstone in a suite of initiatives by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation—an organization dedicated to supporting charitable causes and innovative ventures across Cyprus, Greece, the UK, Ireland, Monaco, and France. Alongside the Business Co-operation Awards, the Foundation also extends its support to young entrepreneurs and addresses critical social needs through programs such as the “Food from the Heart” initiative.

Conclusion

In backing these cross-community efforts, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou not only invests in business excellence but also promotes dialogue, shared responsibility, and peace. The enhanced prize fund serves not merely as a financial boost but as a powerful endorsement of the role that united, innovative efforts play in shaping a prosperous and cohesive Cyprus.

U2V (University2Ventures) has announced a first close of its inaugural venture fund, Fund I, which is targeting €60m to invest in pre-seed and seed deeptech university spin-offs across Europe. The fund focuses on startups emerging from academic research that are developing technologies with industrial and commercial applications.

Benefits

Startups backed by U2V receive early-stage venture capital and access to an industrial network that the fund says includes more than 500 corporate partners. The fund’s model is built around supporting early technical validation, pilot projects and go-to-market development, particularly for technologies requiring close collaboration with industry.

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U2V also works closely with European universities and technology transfer offices, highlighting their relationships with institutions such as TU Munich, ETH Zurich, RWTH Aachen, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, DTU Denmark, Politecnico di Milano, and École Polytechnique.

Who can apply

The fund targets:

• University spin-offs and startups commercialising academic research
• Companies at the pre-seed or seed stage
• Founders working in AI and novel computing, industrial technologies, and cleantech
• Startups based in Europe, as defined by the fund’s stated geographic scope

How to apply

Founders are encouraged to approach the fund directly through its official channels by sharing a pitch deck and outlining the academic origin of the technology, its commercial potential, and industrial use case.

About the fund

U2V (University2Ventures) was founded by Philipp Semmer, Michael Schmitt, and Johannes Triebs. Fund I is targeting €60m in total; the amount raised at first close has not been disclosed publicly, although the firm has described it as being in the “strong double-digit millions”.

Jungheinrich, through its venture arm Uplift Ventures, is an anchor investor in the fund, alongside family offices, founders and industry executives.

Overview

HIRO Capital has launched HIRO III, a new multi-stage fund focused on companies in the UK and Europe. The fund will deploy €5m–€50m cheques and will invest in sectors including spatial AI, robotics, immersive computing, and defence.

“This is an amazing moment of opportunity for the UK/Europe’s tech ecosystem,” says Nick Clegg, General Manager at HIRO Capital. “We have some of the most outstanding researchers and universities on the planet, and great engineers and entrepreneurs, too. Our problem is not a lack of innovation; it is a lack of capital at scale. Europe may have its critics, but we have a vibrant start-up scene which is now ready to accelerate – I believe the Hiro team has the unique geographic and technological reach to help make that happen.”

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Benefits

• Multi-stage investment with ticket sizes €5m–€50m 
• Stage covergar: investing from Seed through Series C/Scale Up

Who can apply

HIRO invests in AI, autonomy and robotics, cloud and future compute; spatial computing and simulation, games, sports tech, digital augmentation, longevity, next generation defence, and the space economy. 

It invests across its Europe+ region, covering the EU, UK, Norway, and Switzerland, and extending through Ukraine, Turkey, and Israel.

How to apply

HIRO accepts inbound approaches through its official website channels. Founders should submit a pitch deck and core company materials through the firm’s contact routes. 

About the fund

HIRO Capital is a founder-led European VC launched in 2018 and built around a thematic focus on technologies where computing moves into the physical world and into day-to-day life through AI, spatial computing, and autonomy. It invests from Seed through Series C and scale-up and focuses on companies with the potential to build large outcomes in its target sectors across Europe+.

Hiro Capital was founded by Luke Alvarez, the co-founder of Inspire Entertainment, the Nasdaq-listed games and virtual sports firm, Sir Ian Livingstone, former chairman of the studio behind the game Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and Cherry Freeman, the co-founder of crafts marketplace LoveCrafts. Recently, Nick Clegg joined as a General Partner in connection with the HIRO III launch.

Alongside the fund launch, HIRO expanded its advisory bench. HIRO’s advisory board includes AI pioneer Yann LeCun and additional senior figures specialising in robotics, defence, and product design.

HIRO’s portfolio includes Sidero Labs, Carv, Keen Games, Frameplay, Incredibuild, Team Liquid, FitXR, LIV, Polyarc, PlayerData, Lamina1, Skybound, Playbook, and Soccerverse, among others.

Accelerating the Green Transition

EAC Supply, in collaboration with the Cyprus Energy Agency, has announced the launch of the groundbreaking AHK+ Grant Scheme. Designed to support businesses, local authorities, and vulnerable households in Cyprus, this initiative marks a significant step toward a cleaner, more efficient energy future.

Targeted Upgrades for Immediate Impact

The scheme is strategically divided into two categories. Category A focuses on the rapid replacement of outdated lighting fixtures with modern LED technology. Businesses, organizations, and local authorities are encouraged to upgrade their lighting systems by subsidizing LED panels (60x60cm) at a grant rate of €30 per unit and round LED panels (17cm) at €20 per unit. This targeted investment is crafted to curtail unnecessary energy consumption immediately.

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Enhancing Comfort and Efficiency for Vulnerable Households

Category B is tailored exclusively for vulnerable AHK Supply customers under Tariff 08. By subsidizing the replacement of older, energy-intensive air-conditioning units with high-efficiency models rated A++ or A+++, the scheme ensures that these households not only experience enhanced comfort but also enjoy long-term energy savings. Grants under this category vary between €170 and €470 per unit, reflecting the capacity of the new device installed.

Robust Funding and Streamlined Application Process

Boasting a total budget of €5.5 million, with €4.5 million allocated to lighting and €1 million directed toward air-conditioning replacements, the AHK+ Grant Scheme is set to run for three years. Applications are accepted through the dedicated electronic platform until September 30, 2028, or until the funds are fully depleted. Interested parties should consult the scheme’s official platform and review detailed guidelines available in the official guide.

The Future of Energy Efficiency in Cyprus

This initiative not only promises immediate economic and environmental benefits but also demonstrates a forward-thinking model for energy efficiency. By strategically investing in modern lighting and air-conditioning systems, Cyprus is setting a benchmark for smart energy management and sustainable growth across sectors.

Government Initiative Aims to Empower Cypriot Exporters

The Cypriot government has taken a decisive step to boost the international competitiveness of its local businesses. The Cabinet recently approved the new De Minimis Sponsorship Plan, designed to support Cypriot companies participating in international trade exhibitions where the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry (MEIC) operates a government booth. The initiative, proposed by Minister George Papanastasiou, is poised to drive Cypriot producers into new markets.

Strategic Investment to Enhance Global Outreach

With a targeted budget of €1,700,000 allocated for 2026, the plan seeks to strengthen the international presence of Cypriot companies involved in manufacturing and product trading. The overarching goal is to increase exports and assist these enterprises in penetrating competitive global marketplaces. This strategic investment is expected to empower businesses to achieve sustainable growth, resonating with similar international initiatives that have successfully deepened market reach.

Eligibility and Submission Guidelines

Eligibility for the scheme extends to companies and officially recognized Producer Groups and Organizations operating in the industrial processing and trading sectors—including those in allied service industries. Notably, the government clarifies that participation is contingent on the timely receipt of applications. Companies are eligible to apply individually via direct submission, by registered mail, or private courier between November 28, 2025, and December 19, 2025. Late submissions beyond December 19, 2025, will be considered untimely and will not be reviewed.

Global Trade Fairs on the Horizon

The approved sponsorship plan will facilitate participation in a series of high-profile international trade fairs. Key events include the Industrial Products Exhibition in Athens (May 8-10, 2026); Food and Beverage exhibitions in Dubai (January 26-30, 2026); and notable exhibitions in Düsseldorf (March 15-17, 2026), Paris (October 17-21, 2026), and Berlin (February 4-6, 2026). These events represent well-timed opportunities for Cypriot businesses to showcase their products on a global stage.

This government-backed initiative is a clear indication of Cyprus’s commitment to fostering economic growth through enhanced international trade. It underscores a forward-thinking approach where strategic public investments catalyze private sector success on global platforms.