Overview

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has launched its Higher Education Initiative Call for Proposals 2026, offering up to €1.25 million per project to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education.

With a total budget of €40 million, the call aims to help universities develop innovation and entrepreneurship skills, improve technology transfer and bring research closer to commercial and industrial applications, with a particular focus on deep technology and manufacturing.

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Universities and other eligible organisations in Cyprus can participate through international consortia bringing together higher education institutions, businesses, research organisations and other innovation partners.

Applications will close on 13 January 2027 at 17:00 CET.

What The Funding Supports

Selected projects can receive up to €1.25 million over 18 months to strengthen the capacity of higher education institutions to develop innovations, support entrepreneurship and collaborate with industry.

The call focuses on three interconnected objectives:

• STEM talent and entrepreneurship: Developing innovation, entrepreneurship and intellectual property management skills among students, academics and university staff, particularly in fields relevant to deep tech and manufacturing.
• Institutional innovation capacity: Strengthening universities’ ability to move research and knowledge towards commercialisation and industrial applications through technology transfer, intellectual property management and support for startups.
• Innovation ecosystem collaboration: Building stronger relationships between universities, businesses, research organisations, investors and other partners across regional and European innovation networks.

Projects must contribute to all three objectives, although their activities can be tailored to the needs and priorities of participating institutions.

Funding can support the development and implementation of institutional innovation action plans, entrepreneurship programmes, training and mentoring, technology transfer activities, startup creation and partnerships with industry.

Who Can Apply

The call is open to consortia led by higher education institutions, with participation from businesses, research organisations, public bodies and other eligible organisations.

Each consortium must include at least five partner organisations, meeting the following requirements:

• At least three higher education institutions established in three different countries eligible for Horizon Europe funding, including at least one institution from an EU Member State.
• At least two business or industry partners, which may include companies, startups, SMEs, larger enterprises or organisations representing industry.
• All funded consortium partners must be established in eligible countries.

Participation from businesses operating in manufacturing and deep-tech industries is particularly encouraged.

Other eligible partners may include research institutions, technology companies, public bodies, intermediary organisations, social enterprises and NGOs, provided the consortium meets the call’s requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Participating higher education institutions must demonstrate institutional commitment to the proposed project.

Each institution must involve at least two faculties, departments or equivalent units, provide evidence of its recognised higher education status and submit a formal commitment letter signed by its senior management.

The call also places restrictions on previous funding recipients.

Organisations funded as beneficiaries under the EIT Higher Education Initiative’s 2025 Call for Proposals (Cohort 5) cannot participate as funded beneficiaries in the 2026 round. They may, however, join consortia as associated, non-funded partners.

Each organisation may participate as a funded beneficiary in only one application under the 2026 call, although participation as an associated, non-funded partner in other consortia is permitted.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official EIT Higher Education Initiative application portal by 13 January 2027 at 17:00 CET.

Prospective applicants must review the full call documentation and establish an eligible consortium before submitting a proposal.

The application process includes completing the HEInnovate self-assessment, which helps participating higher education institutions identify their innovation and entrepreneurship strengths and development needs. The assessment must be completed during the application period, from October 2026 to January 2027.

Consortia must then prepare an Innovation Vision Action Plan (IVAP), setting out their proposed activities, institutional objectives, expected results and implementation approach.

Applications consist of two parts:

• Part A: Completed online, covering project and partner details, activities, performance indicators, work packages and budget information.
• Part B: A narrative proposal prepared using the official template, addressing excellence, impact, and the quality and efficiency of implementation.

Applicants must also provide supporting documentation, including the project budget, relevant declarations, institutional accreditation evidence, HEInnovate results and signed commitment letters.

Applicants are expected to receive evaluation results in March 2027. Selected projects are scheduled to begin on 1 May 2027 and run until 31 October 2028.

Information Sessions

The EIT Higher Education Initiative is organising a series of online information sessions to help prospective applicants understand the call requirements and prepare their proposals.

Upcoming sessions include:

• 4 November 2026: Overview of the 2026 Call for Proposals.
• 6 November 2026: Introduction to HEInnovate.
• 11 November 2026: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework, impact domains and actions.
• 13 November 2026: Key performance indicator expectations.
• 17 November 2026: Application and budget planning.
• 23 November 2026: EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities Discovery Day.
• 3 December 2026: Open Q&A.

The initiative also provides an online matchmaking platform to help universities, businesses and other organisations identify potential international consortium partners.

Full call documentation, application templates, eligibility guidance, information session registration and access to the application portal are available on the official EIT Higher Education Initiative Call for Proposals 2026 page.

About The EIT Higher Education Initiative

The EIT Higher Education Initiative, coordinated by EIT RawMaterials, supports universities in developing stronger innovation and entrepreneurship capabilities and building closer relationships with industry.

Launched in 2021, the initiative brings higher education institutions together with businesses, research organisations and other partners to strengthen Europe’s innovation ecosystem.

According to the EIT, the initiative has supported more than 500 higher education institutions, trained over 150,000 students and staff in innovation and entrepreneurship, and helped launch more than 207 startups since its establishment.

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE) has announced a €1.5 million grant scheme to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative cybersecurity products and services. Established businesses can apply for up to €100,000 per project.

Launched by the Digital Security Authority (DSA), under the Office of the Commissioner of Communications, the initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF). The DSA serves as Cyprus’ National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCC-CY).

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Funding For Market-Ready Cybersecurity Solutions

The scheme aims to help established businesses bring innovative cybersecurity solutions from concept to market, supporting projects involving software, hardware and educational materials.

Educational projects may target critical infrastructure operators, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and students, with the broader aim of strengthening cyber resilience.

Grant Amounts And Application Deadline

With a total budget of €1.5 million, the programme offers grants of up to €100,000 for each eligible project.

Applications opened on October 9, 2026, and must be submitted by December 8, 2026.

Funding comes from the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union’s Digital Europe Programme through the N4CY2 project, titled “Advancing the NCC-CY – The Next Chapter of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre of Cyprus”.

How To Apply

Eligible businesses can review the requirements and submit applications through the Research and Innovation Foundation’s IRIS platform. The relevant call is listed in the platform’s calls section.

To explain the application process and funding conditions, NCC-CY and RIF will host an online information webinar on October 26, from 12:00 to 13:00. Interested applicants can register for the webinar here.

KEVE has encouraged eligible businesses to consider applying for funding to help bring their cybersecurity innovations to market.

Overview

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has opened applications and nominations for the second edition of the Digital Prosperity Awards (DPA), recognising digital solutions, initiatives and partnerships that deliver economic and social impact.

Held under the theme “Building the Future, Today,” the awards aim to recognise projects that use technology to improve public services, support business growth, advance innovation and expand participation in the digital economy.

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Applications and nominations close on 4 January 2027, with winners expected to be recognised at an awards ceremony in 2027.

Award Categories

The second edition features seven categories across three pillars, covering digital transformation, innovation, sustainability and social inclusion.

Digital Enablers

• Public Sector Transformation: Implemented digital initiatives or policies that improve the accessibility, efficiency or quality of public services.
• Cooperation: Partnerships that deliver measurable digital-economy outcomes through shared implementation, governance or resources.

Digital Innovation

• Disruptive Solutions: Digital applications that introduce or significantly improve how people, organisations or markets operate.
• Digital Public Goods: Open-source software, open data, open AI systems or open standards that meet recognised digital-public-good requirements and can be reused or adapted.

Digital Society

• Sustainability: Digital initiatives supporting environmental protection, climate resilience or responsible resource management.
• Equality and Inclusion: Solutions expanding meaningful digital access and participation for underserved or excluded communities.
• Protecting Society: Digital initiatives or policies improving online safety, cybersecurity, trust or resilience while respecting applicable rights and safeguards.

Each of the seven categories will recognise two winners, one government and one non-government winner from a DCO Member State.

Flagship Awards

Alongside the category awards, three flagship prizes will recognise exceptional contributions to digital prosperity.

The DCO Member State Award recognises an outstanding contribution by an eligible SME, startup or civil society organisation that has won a category award and is based in a DCO Member State.

The DCO International Award recognises an eligible civil society organisation from either a DCO Member State or a country outside the organisation.

The Bridging the Gap Award recognises an eligible SME, startup or civil society organisation from a DCO or non-DCO Member State whose solution addresses a digital-economy gap identified through the DCO’s Digital Economy Navigator. Entries must demonstrate impact and the potential for scaling or replication.

The awards offer international recognition through the DCO’s platforms and networks. Further details of prizes and winner benefits will be announced by the organisers.

Who Can Apply

Applications are open to eligible organisations across the public, private and civil society sectors.

Potential applicants include government bodies, municipalities, public institutions, established companies, SMEs, startups, NGOs, foundations and other qualifying organisations.

Teams of at least two adults aged 18 or over may also apply with a jointly developed solution, provided they receive formal endorsement from an eligible institution, such as a university, research organisation, incubator, accelerator, company or public institution.

Organisations outside DCO Member States may also participate through specific international award pathways.

Eligible civil society organisations can apply through the relevant international stream, while other qualifying international non-government applicants may be considered for the Bridging the Gap Award, subject to the published requirements.

Eligibility And Selection Criteria

Applicants must submit a digital initiative, programme, partnership or solution that has already been implemented and produced evidence of results.

Digital technology must play a substantial role in delivering those outcomes. The awards therefore focus on demonstrated impact rather than concepts or proposals that have not yet been implemented.

Applications will be assessed against four main criteria: creativity and innovation; demonstrated performance and impact; social responsibility and sustainability; and collaboration and feasibility at scale. The selection process begins with administrative and eligibility screening, including independent reputational and integrity checks.

Eligible entries then progress through technical assessment and shortlisting, followed by evaluation by an international judging panel.

Shortlisted applicants will deliver a five-minute presentation, followed by a 10-minute Q&A. A separate cross-pillar assessment will determine the flagship prize winners.

How To Apply

Applications and nominations close on 4 January 2027. Participation is free of charge.

Applicants must register through the Digital Prosperity Awards platform, complete the application form in English and submit the required supporting information and evidence. An organisation or institutionally endorsed team may submit one application per category, but each application can be entered in only one category. Individuals and organisations can also nominate an eligible organisation through the official nomination form. Nominated organisations must subsequently complete the full application process to be considered for an award.

The awards ceremony is currently planned for March 2027, with the final date and venue to be announced.

Full eligibility requirements, category descriptions and application guidance are available on the official Digital Prosperity Awards website.

For enquiries, applicants can contact dpa@dco.org.

About The Digital Cooperation Organization

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) is an international intergovernmental organisation established in 2020 to accelerate the inclusive and sustainable growth of the digital economy.

It brings together 16 Member States, including Cyprus, and works with governments, businesses, civil society and international organisations to advance digital cooperation, innovation and economic participation.

The Digital Prosperity Awards form part of its efforts to recognise initiatives delivering measurable improvements in digital access, economic opportunity and social development.

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) will bring together policymakers, employers and social partners in Nicosia on September 29, 2026, for a round-table discussion on one of the workplace’s most pressing but often overlooked challenges: how employees with care responsibilities can remain fully engaged in work while supporting a family member in need.

A Growing Workplace Priority

The discussion will focus on workers who care for an elderly relative, a person with a disability or another family member requiring assistance. As populations age and care needs rise, the pressure on employees to balance professional obligations with informal caregiving is becoming a significant issue for businesses, public authorities and society at large.

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For employers, the question is no longer whether care responsibilities affect the workplace, but how to respond in a way that supports retention, productivity and employee wellbeing.

What The Event Will Cover

Organised as part of Keve’s participation in the European CareDivide project, the round table will provide a forum for information-sharing, discussion and the exchange of practical experience on the realities facing working carers.

A key theme will be the need for a better balance between professional and personal life for employees who provide unpaid care. The event will also examine how employers, public authorities and other relevant organisations can better address the needs of this workforce segment.

Care Subsidy Scheme To Be Presented

Phanos Kouroufexis, senior officer at the Welfare Benefits Administration Service of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, will present the Care Services Subsidy Scheme during the session.

His remarks will outline the support available to people who require care, their families and informal carers. The presentation will be followed by an open discussion and question-and-answer session, allowing participants to raise practical concerns and learn more about available forms of support.

Policy Ideas And Workplace Solutions

The round table will also present policy proposals developed through the CareDivide project and explore concrete ways in which businesses, public administration and social partners can help create more accommodating workplaces for employees with care responsibilities.

That includes approaches that can reduce the strain on workers who must navigate deadlines, schedules and family care obligations simultaneously—an issue that can affect attendance, engagement and long-term labour market participation.

Who Should Attend

The event is aimed at employers, human resources professionals, policymakers, public authorities, social partners, non-governmental organisations and researchers, as well as anyone with an interest in employment, equality and care.

Participation is free. Keve said the session is intended to encourage the exchange of information and practical approaches that could contribute to a more supportive working environment.

Event Details

The discussion will be held in Greek on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Keve building in Nicosia.

Interested participants can register through this registration link until September 25, 2026.

Keve is part of the consortium behind the CareDivide project, which is co-funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme. The initiative is being implemented in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Romania and Spain.

The broader significance is clear: workers who provide informal care are increasingly central to the conversation about labour force participation, workplace flexibility and social support. As care demands grow, the ability to combine employment with caregiving will remain a practical test for both employers and policymakers.

Overview

Junior Achievement Cyprus has launched its Company Programme for the 2026–2027 academic year, giving students the opportunity to design, launch and run their own real-world companies from the ground up.

The programme challenges student teams to develop a business idea, build a working company structure, manage a budget and bring a real product or service to market within a single academic year. Participants take on roles such as Managing Director, Finance Director and Marketing Director, gaining hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, teamwork and financial literacy.

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Benefits

Throughout the year, participants will receive mentorship from local business professionals, who will guide them through the competition. The programme is designed to build essential skills in leadership, financial management and innovation, while giving students a taste of running a business.

Last year’s programme brought together 91 student companies from 51 schools across Cyprus. Cyprus’s national winning team, HerShield, went on to place third in the JA Europe Company of the Year competition. Junior Achievement Cyprus says this year’s aim is to extend the opportunity to even more schools and young people.

Who Can Participate

The programme is aimed at students who will work in teams to create and operate their own companies during the academic year. An introductory online session for secondary teachers will take place on 29 September.

Partners

The Company Programme is supported by PwC Cyprus and the Youth Board of Cyprus as strategic partners. Its partners are XM and Coffee Island, while supporters include the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Amdocs, Coca-Cola HBC Cyprus and the Research and Innovation Foundation. The institutional partner is the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth.

How To Register

Registrations are available through the Junior Achievement Cyprus website. For more information, interested participants can contact Programme Coordinator Marios Kakouris at marios.kakouris@jacyprus.org or info@jacyprus.org, or call 99 203701.

About Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement is one of the world’s largest organisations dedicated to preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship. Through experiential programmes in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, work readiness and active citizenship, JA helps young people build the skills and confidence to shape their futures. Operating in more than 100 countries, JA connects education with the world of work through collaboration with schools, educators, volunteers and businesses.

Overview

The League is opening applications for its first Agentic AI Basecamp, a free, in-person programme in Cyprus for participants aged 16 and over. The Basecamp offers 15 seats, and its eight-Saturday sprint will run at Space307 from 3rd October to 21st November 2026, every Saturday from 09:00 to 12:00. Applications open on 10 September and close on 25 September 2026.

The programme is the entry point into The League, a year-round educational ecosystem designed to bridge the gap between school and professional life. It is built around real company projects, expert mentorship, and continuous evidence-building, with participants joining independent programmes one at a time.

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The wider Agentic AI Basecamp entry point is listed as running from October to December 2026 and includes the first Saturday sprint, eight Saturdays, plus a December Hackathon.

What Makes It Different

The League is neither a school, nor a university, nor a one-off camp. Its model is based on the idea that young people need proof of how they work, specifically how they break down unclear tasks, take ownership, collaborate, recover from setbacks, and deliver visible results.

The programme responds to a gap seen on both sides of the talent pipeline. Companies often struggle to identify young talent that can execute, collaborate, and take ownership, while teenagers are often pushed to choose a career direction without real exposure to industries, constraints, teams, or feedback.

What Participants Will Build

The Agentic AI Basecamp is an eight-Saturday sprint focused on building one real system from scratch. Sessions take place at Space307, described by the organisers as a working technology company environment rather than a classroom.

The first two weeks will cover what today’s AI can and cannot do, Python, and the use of git and GitHub in a real team context. Weeks three and four focus on building an agent loop, including an AI system that takes real actions and the use of a third-party AI API.

In weeks five and six, participants will develop their own agentic system around a real problem of their choice, wrap it in their own API, and work with Linux and real servers. The final two weeks cover Docker and deployment, including health checks, logs, testing against an evaluation set, and a final Demo Day.

Benefits

By the end of the Basecamp, every participant is expected to leave with a working agentic AI system they designed, built, and published online. They will also have a development record showing how the project evolved and what they personally contributed.

Participants will also complete an independent technical defence at Demo Day, receive written feedback from a professional mentor and join The League alumni community. Together, these outcomes are intended to give participants evidence they can show to a university or first employer.

The wider aim is not only technical output, but professional development. The programme is designed to build independence, ownership, teamwork, communication, resilience, judgement and career direction through real experience.

Who Can Apply

The Basecamp is open to people aged 16+. There are 15 seats available, and the first Basecamp starts on 3rd October 2026.

The programme is especially relevant for teenagers and young people who want early exposure to real technology work, AI systems, team-based problem-solving and professional mentorship before choosing or committing to a future study or career path.

How Selection Works

Applicants must complete an application form. The process also includes a short interview, described as a conversation rather than an exam. Fifteen offers will then be made for the first Basecamp.

The Wider League Ecosystem

The Agentic AI Basecamp is the first programme currently open for applications, but The League is designed as a wider year-round ecosystem. Planned programmes include an MIT MISTI Bootcamp in January 2027, a GameDev & Interactive Tech Sprint from late January to March 2027, a JASS Bootcamp at the end of March 2027, a Software & Product Sprint from April to June 2027, and a Talent Showcase in June 2027.

Each programme has its own application, interview, age range, and calendar. Completing the Basecamp brings participants into The League, but does not automatically secure a place in later programmes such as MIT MISTI or JASS.

How To Apply

Applications for the Agentic AI Basecamp open on 10 September and close on 25 September 2026. The programme is free, offers 15 seats, and will take place at Space307 in Cyprus.

Overview

Performance Technologies, in collaboration with Microsoft, will host Microsoft AI Day on Monday, 28 September 2026, at The Landmark Nicosia, Autograph Collection. The event will run from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm and is designed as a morning focused on enterprise AI strategy and adoption.

Held under the theme “Charting a Practical Path to Enterprise AI,” the event will explore how organisations around the world and in Cyprus are approaching AI, from strategic priorities and platform choices to the steps involved in moving from experimentation to everyday use. It will also look at where Microsoft is focusing its AI investment and what that means for businesses locally.

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What To Expect

The agenda will focus on the decisions organisations need to make as AI moves from isolated experiments into daily operations. Topics will include enterprise AI strategy, platform and technology choices, the path from pilot to production, and a closing discussion on what comes next for AI in the region.

Key Themes

Participants will learn how organisations are approaching AI strategy and where Microsoft is focusing its AI investment. The event will also examine how businesses can move from AI experimentation to everyday business use, and which platform and technology choices matter most for enterprise AI.

The programme will also address how Performance Technologies and Microsoft can support organisations as they develop their AI roadmaps.

Who Should Attend

The event is relevant for organisations in Cyprus exploring AI strategy, platform choices and the move from experimentation to everyday business use.

It is particularly useful for companies that have already started testing AI tools or use cases and now need to understand how to approach adoption more practically across the organisation.

How To Register

Registration is available through the Microsoft AI Event Cyprus 2026 event page.

About The Event

Microsoft AI Day is organised by Performance Technologies in collaboration with Microsoft. The event is focused on Cyprus’ enterprise AI landscape, and the choices organisations face as AI becomes part of business strategy, technology planning and everyday operations.

Overview

Registration is open for the Elevate Women Global Hackathon 2026, a global online hackathon designed to help participants explore AI, build real products, learn modern tools and connect with like-minded people from around the world. The event is presented by Elevate Women and hosted online via Google Meet.

The hackathon is aimed at aspiring founders, designers, marketers, students, creators, freelancers, community builders and anyone curious about AI and building something new. No coding background is required to participate.

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Benefits

The programme begins with a Learning Week from 14 to 18 September 2026, offering practical online workshops designed to help participants move from curiosity about AI to building with AI tools. Sessions will cover AI tools, bots and automations, vibe coding and no-code building, idea development, pitching and public speaking, founder mindset, startup building, networking and community building.

The main hackathon weekend will take place on 19–20 September 2026, when participants will build a real project individually or in teams. Projects may include AI-powered tools, mobile apps, websites, automations, community products, educational tools, creative experiments, social-impact ideas, or startup MVPs.

Participants will have access to mentors and community support, live check-ins, networking, team collaboration, and partner resources during the hackathon. Top projects will be invited to present during an online Demo Day on 25 September 2026. The organisers plan to award prizes to the Top 3 teams, with the prize pool and additional partner-supported rewards to be announced.

Who Can Apply

The hackathon is open to eligible individuals of all genders who are at least 18 years old at the time of registration. While Elevate Women is a women-led initiative focused on advancing women’s participation, leadership and opportunities in technology, the organisers state that eligibility, access, judging and awards are not restricted by sex or gender.

The event is particularly relevant for people interested in AI, startups, digital products and technology creation. Technical or coding experience is not required.

Criteria

The page does not list formal selection or judging criteria. Registration is marked as approval required, meaning requests to join are subject to host approval.

The emphasis is on experimentation, learning, creativity and building a working project, rather than entering with an already advanced technical product.

How To Apply

Interested participants must register through the event page. Registration is subject to host approval.

Key dates:

• Learning Week: 14–18 September 2026
• Main Hackathon Weekend: 19–20 September 2026
• Demo Day & Awards: 25 September 2026

About Elevate Women

Elevate Women is an international women-led initiative that helps more women enter the world of AI, startups, digital products and technology creation. The initiative aims to create a supportive and practical environment where women can explore AI tools, learn practical skills, build projects, meet collaborators and future co-founders, and see technology as accessible, creative and human.

Overview

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has opened a call for expressions of interest for researchers who wish to participate in the “Researchers in Schools” programme for the 2026–2027 school year. The programme invites researchers to take part in visits to schools in Primary Education, Secondary Education, and Secondary Technical and Vocational Education and Training across Cyprus.

First launched during the 2022–2023 school year, the programme aims to increase direct contact and interaction between students, teachers and researchers from different research fields in Cyprus. Its wider goal is to strengthen students’ interest in science, research and innovation, while also showing the relevance of research to everyday life and future career choices.

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Programme Objectives

Through school visits, researchers will be invited to present their work to students in an engaging way. RIF encourages the use of creative and interactive presentation methods where possible, as well as equipment or tools that can be transported to schools for demonstration purposes.

For the 2026–2027 initiative, it will also be possible to arrange school visits to research organisations, giving students direct exposure to research environments.

Themes

Presentations should be linked to the STEAM educational approach, covering Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

Visit Schedule

Visits by researchers to schools, and/or visits by schools to research organisations, will be organised around international days connected to the STEAM fields.

The planned visit periods are:

• Science: 9–13 November 2026, linked to World Science Day on 10 November 2026
• Engineering: 1–5 March 2027, linked to World Engineering Day on 4 March 2027
• Mathematics: 15–19 March 2027, linked to World Mathematics Day on 14 March 2027
• Arts: 12–16 April 2027, linked to World Art Day on 15 April 2027
• Technology: 17–21 May 2027, linked to World Technology Day on 17 May 2027

Who Can Participate

The call is addressed to researchers interested in visiting schools and presenting their work to students as part of the programme. Participating schools may come from almost all districts of Cyprus, including semi-mountainous, mountainous and remote areas.

After the expression-of-interest stage, RIF will contact researchers to inform them about schools that have expressed interest in hosting researcher visits or organising visits to research organisations. Specific arrangements for each researcher will be made three to four weeks before the relevant visit period.

RIF will select the school based on the researcher’s preferences and availability, as well as the priority order of schools’ expressions of interest. If an issue arises, an alternative arrangement may be made in consultation with the responsible RIF officer.

Support

RIF may, upon request, cover part of researchers’ expenses for travel and the transport of relevant equipment to schools.

How To Apply

Researchers who wish to participate must declare their availability through the online form by 30 September 2026.

About The Programme

The “Researchers in Schools” programme is implemented as part of the European project “CELEBRATE 2.0 – TWO DECADES OF STEAM-POWERED INSPIRATION”, funded by the European Commission under the EU Horizon Europe research and innovation programme for 2021–2027.

Overview

Applications are open for FEM 3.0, a free international online programme for girls aged 13–18, run by the Kateryna Biloruska Foundation. The programme is designed to help participants build confidence, communication, leadership, AI and digital skills, creativity, personal branding, and financial literacy.

The FEM – Future Empowered Minds initiative is a leadership programme for teenage girls, providing a safe and inspiring space to develop leadership qualities, connect with peers and become active participants in society.

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Benefits

FEM 3.0 will combine online learning, mentor support and practical project work. Participants will develop their own projects with mentor support and present them at the final FEM Summit 3.0. The programme focuses on skills that go beyond the classroom, including confidence, communication, leadership, AI and digital skills, creativity, personal branding and financial literacy.

The FEM programme page also highlights training in public speaking, problem-solving, storytelling, conflict resolution, digital literacy, AI tools, and project management, alongside teamwork, peer connection, and participation in social, environmental and volunteer projects.

Participants will also gain access to an international community, mentors and experts, and will receive FEM gifts and a certificate.

Who Can Apply

The programme is aimed at girls aged 13–18. The FEM page describes the initiative as designed for teenage girls in Cyprus, including Cypriot girls from low-income or single-parent families, as well as talented young women from other countries with strong motivation and a desire to grow.

Applicants should have a strong motivation to grow, a willingness to learn, and fluency in English.

How To Apply

Applications close on 5 September, and FEM 3.0 starts on 21 September.

Applicants should apply through this link.

About The Kateryna Biloruska Foundation

The Kateryna Biloruska Foundation runs programmes designed to support young people, leadership development and social impact. Its FEM initiative focuses on helping teenage girls gain the skills, confidence and support network needed to unlock their potential.