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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.

Industry Uproar Over Reduction in Electric Vehicle Subsidies

The recent move by the government to curtail subsidies for electric vehicles has stirred significant discontent among car importers in Cyprus. The Department of Road Transport (DRT) has slashed available grants under the Electric Vehicle Promotion Scheme as of April 23, leading to a rapid depletion of the subsidy pool and leaving many potential applicants disappointed.

Importers’ Concerns

According to the Cyprus Motor Vehicle Importers Association (CMVIA), the lack of transparency and failure to engage stakeholders prior to the decision have eroded trust in the government’s commitments. Importers now find themselves facing a precarious situation, with substantial stocks of electric vehicles and mounting promotional expenditures.

Public Interest and EU Compliance

Although the scheme aimed to support the transition to zero-emission transport until 2025, the DRT states that the curtailing of funds was necessary to comply with European funding terms, which warned against delays in vehicle deliveries. This decision has fueled market uncertainty despite the application portal experiencing dynamic changes.

Industry’s Ongoing Demand

The CMVIA refutes any claims suggesting waning interest in electric vehicles, underscoring the rapid exhaustion of available grants as proof of substantial demand. They highlight the importance of meeting Cyprus’s green transition targets, including putting 80,000 electric vehicles on roads by 2030.

While the total budget for subsidies saw an increase to €36.5 million in 2023, thanks to additional funding, ongoing difficulties in timely vehicle distribution have led to premature closures of applications. In response, CMVIA has called for urgent dialogue with the Minister of Transport to reassess the decision, fearing that it could endanger the future of e-mobility in Cyprus.

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