Breaking news

Chief Scientist highlights Cyprus’ role as technology hub in New Delhi

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2024

Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides participated in a recent Invest Cyprus event in New Delhi, India, aimed at promoting Cyprus as an emerging technology and innovation hub, as well as a reliable gateway for investments to and from Europe.

According to a press release, the 5 September meeting was also attended by the Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to India, Evagoras Vryonides, the CEO of Invest Cyprus, Marios Tannousis, the executives of PWC, Chrysilios Pelekanos, and Eurobank, Panayiotis Chrystostomou, as well as several entrepreneurs and potential investors from India.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Skourides had the opportunity to present the research, technology and innovation ecosystem of Cyprus, to highlight the incentives provided to attract investment and talent to the country, as well as the efforts made by the state to make Cyprus a hub for research, innovation and international entrepreneurship, stressing that Cyprus presents high levels of scientific excellence, as it has a remarkable research potential with significant achievements both at national and European level.

He also emphasised the notable research infrastructure of the Centres of Excellence that have been developed in Cyprus with co-funding by the European Commission, the services they provide and the important role they play in the development of the ecosystem, as well as the opportunities presented for the internationalisation of their services through new partnerships and investments from countries such as India.

It is added that Skourides held talks with over 30 stakeholders and provided a thorough briefing on the benefits of cooperation between entities from Cyprus and India, tax incentives, the funding programmes of the Research and Innovation Foundation which can be exploited, as well as the opportunities for access to the single European market from the country.

During his meetings, he identified and provided specific opportunities for cooperation with innovative companies in Cyprus, specialized in Fintech, Regtech, Healthtech, Agrofood and ICT, areas that are highlighted in the country’s Smart Specialization Strategy and are priorities of the Research and Innovation Strategy 2024, it is added.

It is also noted that the Director General of the Cyprus Research & Innovation Foundation, Theodoros Loukaides, also travelled to New Delhi to participate in the one-day CII India-Mediterranean Business Conclave, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs of India and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), with the participation of representatives from 28 countries. At the same time, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy led the Cypriot representation.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Short-Form Video Unleashed: Transforming The Living Room Experience

The Mobile Origins Of A Big-Screen Revolution

Short-form vertical videos, initially designed for smartphone viewing, are increasingly gaining traction on larger screens as viewing habits continue evolving across digital platforms. YouTube said audiences now watch more than 2 billion hours of Shorts content on televisions every month, highlighting the growing role of connected TV devices in short-form video consumption. The figures reflect a broader shift in how viewers engage with mobile-first formats beyond traditional smartphone environments.

Expanding Horizons In The Living Room

According to Kurt Wilms, television has become YouTube’s fastest-growing screen category. The company said integrated recommendations and search functions on smart TV interfaces are increasingly exposing users to Shorts content, even when viewers did not originally intend to watch short-form videos. As a result, living room viewing is becoming a larger part of YouTube’s overall content ecosystem.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Innovative Adjustments For Enhanced Engagement

To support this transition, YouTube has introduced interface changes designed specifically for larger screens. Features, including side-by-side comments and expanded layouts, aim to create a more interactive viewing experience while also improving engagement opportunities for creators. Sarah Ali said the updated viewing experience is intended to help creators expand audience reach across global markets and connected devices.

The Convergence Of Audio And Visual Media

Growth in living room consumption is also extending beyond short-form video into podcasting and long-form creator content. YouTube reported that viewers spent more than 700 million hours watching podcasts on living room devices during 2025, up from 400 million hours the previous year. At the same time, streaming platforms including Netflix are increasing investments in video podcasts and creator-led programming through partnerships with companies such as iHeartMedia, Barstool Sports and Spotify. The trend reflects a broader convergence between mobile-first content formats, streaming television and creator-driven media ecosystems.