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CYENS Kicks Off Its Pre-Accelerator Programme

The Pre-Accelerator Programme at CYENS has officially begun, offering a unique opportunity designed specifically for researchers to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and market-ready solutions.

“Tailored for CYENS researchers and guided by esteemed professors from the University of Cyprus, this programme is a pivotal step for those aiming to transform groundbreaking research into viable, impactful startups,” the post noted.

It also listed the following key benefits of the programme:

  • Structured Framework: The pre-accelerator provides a comprehensive framework, guiding researchers through crucial stages of commercialisation, from concept validation to business model development.
  • Experienced Mentors: Participants will engage with seasoned mentors who have successfully transitioned from research to entrepreneurship, offering invaluable insights to refine ideas, avoid common pitfalls, and expedite market entry.
  • Essential Resources: Researchers will gain access to funding opportunities, legal advice, and networking events—vital resources for turning research into successful ventures.
  • Skill Development: The programme enhances entrepreneurial skills through intensive workshops and training sessions covering business planning, market analysis, intellectual property management, and more.
  • Collaboration and Networking: Participants will connect with like-minded researchers and entrepreneurs, fostering collaborative projects, partnerships and co-founding opportunities to expand the impact of their research.
  • Visibility and Exposure: Researchers will have the chance to showcase their projects to potential investors, industry leaders, and strategic partners, attracting the support and resources needed to bring their innovations to market.
  • Industry Mentors: Starting in July, participants will be paired with industry experts who will guide them through the commercialisation process with real-life experiences and insights.

“This programme is essential for researchers looking to turn their innovative research into successful startups and is a testament to CYENS’ commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation,” the post concluded.

Only 1% Of Cyprus Farms Use Precision Farming Technologies

Cyprus remains one of the European Union’s least digitised agricultural economies, with just 1% of farms using precision farming technologies in 2023, according to Eurostat.

The findings come as the EU continues to encourage the adoption of digital tools aimed at improving agricultural productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

Internet Access Expands, But Digital Uptake Lags

Internet access has improved across the bloc, although adoption remains uneven. Eurostat found that 43% of EU farms had internet access in 2023, with northern and central European countries leading the way.

Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Austria all reported internet access rates above 90%.

Greater connectivity, however, has not translated into widespread digital adoption. Farm management information systems, which help farmers manage day-to-day operations, were used by only about 11% of EU farms. France was a notable exception, with around 60% of farms using the technology.

Precision Farming Concentrated In Larger Operations

Robotics adoption also remained relatively limited, with only about 7% of EU farms using robotic technologies. Overall, around 18% of farms with utilised agricultural area employed at least one precision farming technology or practice in 2023.

These included robotics for plant protection, band spraying, variable-rate application, precision crop monitoring and soil analysis. Despite representing fewer than one in five farms, these holdings accounted for around 44% of the EU’s utilised agricultural area.

The figures suggest that precision farming remains concentrated among larger agricultural businesses, where investment in digital technologies is typically easier to support.

Cyprus Lags Behind EU Leaders

Luxembourg, Finland and Estonia recorded the highest shares of utilised agricultural area managed by farms using precision farming technologies, each exceeding 75%.

At the other end of the ranking, Cyprus recorded just 1%, while Greece and Romania reported between 10% and 15%. The results indicate that Cyprus remains at an early stage of digital adoption in agriculture, even as precision farming becomes more widespread across parts of the European Union.

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