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.

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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.

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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.

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/ 

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), in partnership with the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, has announced its flagship “AI in Government” funding programme. This is a key initiative under Cyprus’s 2025 Annual Governance Programme to accelerate digital transformation in public services through the deployment of Artificial Intelligence.

Overview

RIF is inviting Cypriot businesses and eligible entities to propose innovative AI solutions addressing real public sector needs. The two main challenges, issued by the Department of Meteorology, target:

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1. Early warning systems for extreme weather events
2. Agrometeorological support for the agricultural sector

Additional challenges are expected to be added in due course.

How to Apply

• Access the full call details, including eligibility, guidelines, and submission steps, through the IRIS Portal (iris.research.org.cy).
• Deadline: Please submit your proposal by October 17, 2025.
• For inquiries, please contact us at support@research.org.cy or call +357 22205000. 

Brainforest has launched the 6th edition of its Venture Program, a 10-week accelerator designed to support startups advancing solutions in biodiversity, forests, and ecosystem restoration.

The programme focuses on four key innovation areas:

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• AI & Data for Nature Intelligence
• Regenerative Agriculture & Soil Health
• Monetizing Biodiversity
• Deep-Tech for Ecosystem Restoration

Selected startups will benefit from individual coaching, strategic business model support, and access to Brainforest’s global network of experts and investors (NGOs, unicorn founders, impact investors).

In addition, one to two teams per cohort will be awarded $125,000  for a 7% equity stake in the selected company.

How to Apply

Applications are now open at brainforest.global/venture-program

• Programme duration: 10 weeks
• Funding opportunity: $125,000 equity for one to two selected teams
• Application deadline: 1 September 2025

For questions or further details, applicants can contact Brainforest at gl@brainforest.global

About Brainforest

Brainforest is a venture studio and accelerator dedicated to developing scalable solutions that protect and restore the world’s forests and biodiversity. Working at the intersection of entrepreneurship, science, and finance, the organisation connects innovators with resources, networks, and capital to accelerate systemic change in the field of nature and climate.

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has announced a new funding opportunity under its “Enhancing Business Capacity for New Product Development” programme (code: NPD-CAPBLD/0825), allocating a total budget of €580,000 to support Cypriot enterprises in developing innovative products and services.

How to Apply

Businesses from all sectors with at least 10 full-time employees are eligible to submit proposals for the development of new products or services.

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• Each project may receive up to €30,000 in funding.
• Applications must be submitted exclusively through the IRIS Portal at http://iris.research.org.cy/ by Friday, 3 October 2025, at 13:00 (local time)
• RIF has introduced a simplified process with an expedited evaluation to accelerate support.

For questions or technical assistance, companies can contact the RIF Partner Support Centre at support@research.org.cy or by phone at 22 205 000.