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Cypriot Robotics Teams Shine at International LEGO League Competitions

In an inspiring display of talent and innovation, two Cypriot student robotics teams have proudly showcased their skills at prestigious global events during the 2025 FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) season, which focused on the fascinating theme of ocean exploration.

Support and Coordination

Backed by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) and coordinated by the Cyprus Computer Society (CCS), teams ROBOTHEADZ and Robomac journeyed to the United States and Greece, bringing Cypriot creativity and teamwork in STEM to an international audience.

ROBOTHEADZ Triumphs in Houston

ROBOTHEADZ, under the coaching of Dr. Pericles Cheng from STEM Education Cyprus, clinched the Champion’s Award at the FLL Cyprus 2025 competition, earning their spot at the global FIRST® Championship in Houston, Texas. The event, held from April 16 to 19, attracted over 50,000 participants from 160 countries.

Their innovative contributions included a high-tech diving mask powered by artificial intelligence, capable of real-time fish species identification to tackle invasive marine life. Ranking among the top 100 teams, ROBOTHEADZ was a beacon of Cypriot ingenuity.

Robomac’s Success in Greece

Representing Technical School Makarios III, Robomac participated in the FIRST® LEGO® League Open International in Corinth, Greece from May 2-4. Their innovative approach and technical acumen earned them the Innovation Project Award, securing their second place among 48 teams from 40 countries.

Promoting Cypriot Innovation

The Cyprus Computer Society commended the teams and their coaches while reinforcing its mission to drive student interest in STEM fields through various upcoming events.

To explore more about CCS initiatives, visit their website or check their social media for updates.

Evel Elects New President As Maria Theocharous Takes Over For 2026–2029 Term

Maria Theocharous has been elected president of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), taking over from Yiannis Tsouloftas for a three-year term covering 2026–2029. Theocharous previously served as the chamber’s vice-president for tourism.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for one of Cyprus’ main regional business organisations, with the new board set to represent the district’s key economic sectors.

New Leadership Emphasises Cooperation

The chamber’s annual meeting brought together government, business and local authority representatives, including Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michael Damianos, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou, Limassol district local government organisation president Yiannis Tsouloftas and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis.

Speakers highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between public authorities and businesses in supporting Limassol’s economic development.

Representatives of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) also congratulated Theocharous on her election and thanked the outgoing president for his cooperation. The CSC described Evel as a longstanding partner, noting the chamber’s contribution to Limassol’s business development over more than six decades.

Tsouloftas Reviews Six Years As President

In his final address, Tsouloftas reviewed the chamber’s work between 2020 and 2026, highlighting its advocacy for major infrastructure projects and efforts to address development challenges across the district.

He also outlined initiatives to remove obstacles facing local businesses, accelerate development plans and improve the conditions for economic activity.

Tsouloftas will remain involved as immediate past president, providing continuity during the transition.

New Board Covers Key Business Sectors

The new board includes representatives responsible for the chamber’s main portfolios:

  • Ilikos Charalambous, vice-president for commerce
  • Vasos Demetriades, vice-president for industry
  • Christos Nicolaou, vice-president for services
  • Nicolas Agiomamitis, vice-president for tourism
  • Ilias Theodorou, vice-president for finance
  • Demosthenes Mavrellis, vice-president for innovation and technology
  • Ilias Neocleous, honorary secretary

Other board members are Minos Agathocleous, Marios Antoniou, George Demetriou, Anastasios Kounoudis, Marios Constantinou, Xanthos Nemptsas, Antonis Pappas, Charalambos Pattichis, Chrysis Petousis, Farah Shammas, Andreas Tsouloftas and Kyriacos Hadjiathanasiou.

Costas Ioannides, Agathi Katsi, Anna Petraki, Filippos Filis and Tonis Hadjiloucas have been appointed members by distinction. The chamber also highlighted the growing participation of women in business leadership and decision-making.

Chamber Recognises Longstanding Contributions

The annual meeting also recognised businesses and individuals for their contributions, including members who have maintained continuous membership for 50 years.

Tributes were paid to three former contributors to the chamber, Tonis Antoniou, Dimi Mavropoulos and Andreas Laou, in recognition of their service.

Under Theocharous’ leadership, Evel begins its 2026–2029 term with a board covering commerce, industry, services, tourism, finance and innovation. Its priorities include continuing to represent Limassol businesses and advocating for the investment and cooperation needed to support the district’s economic growth.

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