Open Calls

Cypriot SMEs And Startups To Engage With Global Innovators At MWC Open Innovation Challenge 2026

Invitation For Strategic Collaboration

The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Cyprus, in partnership with the local Chamber of Commerce, has extended a distinguished invitation to small and medium‐sized enterprises and startups to participate in the MWC Open Innovation Challenge 2026. This significant initiative, organized by ACCIÓ, a key department within the Catalan Government’s Ministry of Enterprise and Labour, is set to attract industry leaders and emerging innovators alike.

Global Forum For Innovation

The event is designed to convene corporates, investors, and technology providers in a dynamic setting to co-create solutions addressing real-world technological challenges. Participants will have the opportunity to connect during the MWC and 4YFN Barcelona congress, where breakthrough ideas and collaboration strategies will be spotlighted.

Flexible Participation Formats

Attendees can choose from physical, online, or hybrid formats tailored to their schedules and business objectives. The in-person B2B engagements are scheduled to occur from March 2, 2026, to March 5, 2026, at the 4YFN Congress in Barcelona, specifically at the ACCIÓ Stand in Hall 8. These sessions, structured as focused 30-minute meetings, are exclusively reserved for corporate representatives presenting challenges and technology providers offering strategic solutions.

Digital Engagement For Global Reach

For those unable to travel, online B2B meetings will be facilitated via the b2match platform from March 9, 2026, to March 13, 2026. This digital format ensures that participants, including Cypriot startups, can seamlessly connect with large international companies and public entities eager to explore innovative technologies.

Streamlined Registration And Matchmaking

The challenge is open to technology and solution providers free of charge. Interested businesses must register on the platform by completing a comprehensive company profile. This profile should include a succinct pitch, a professional biography, and a detailed outline of the firm’s technological capabilities. Registration is limited to one participant per company, although additional representatives are welcome to attend the B2B meetings. Once validated, participants can begin scheduling meetings based on corporates’ published challenges, with final acceptance determined by the respective corporates.

Business-Driven Agenda

Participants will receive a personalized meeting agenda through the digital platform, ‘My Schedule’, which will detail all confirmed meeting times and sessions. This structured approach ensures that every interaction is geared toward harnessing commercial potential and driving actionable collaborations.

The MWC Open Innovation Challenge 2026 represents a landmark opportunity for Cypriot enterprises to forge key international partnerships and propel forward-thinking technological solutions. For further details and to register as a technology or solution provider, please visit the official registration page.

EUC And Microsoft Open 5th Call For Startup Acceleration Programme In Cyprus

European University Cyprus has launched the 5th Call for Applicants for the EUC Startup Programme powered by Microsoft, a free startup support programme designed for mature startups located in Cyprus.

Overview

The accelerator is organised by the School of Business of European University Cyprus in collaboration with Microsoft and organisations from the Cypriot entrepreneurial ecosystem. The programme combines training, mentoring, networking opportunities, and access to Microsoft resources to help startups strengthen their business model, accelerate growth, and improve market readiness.

Benefits

Selected startups will receive tailored training in key entrepreneurial and business topics, adapted to the stage and needs of each team. Indicative training areas include entrepreneurial skills, financial projections, Lean Startup principles, customer segmentation, ICT and technology trends, team collaboration, market analysis, investor pitching, Microsoft technologies for startups, and an introduction to Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub.

The programme also provides dedicated mentoring from experienced professionals across fields such as business consulting, ICT, marketing, banking, insurance, EU funding, accounting, public relations, shipping, and other relevant sectors. Each startup will be matched with a mentor and receive up to 10 hours of tailored mentoring support over three months.

Participants will also gain networking opportunities with business professionals, senior executives, investors, venture capital representatives, business angels, founders, and entrepreneurs, with the aim of supporting collaboration, market access, and commercialisation.

Through Microsoft, startups will be introduced to the Microsoft Startup Enablement Pack and the Microsoft for Startups programme, including potential benefits such as up to $5,000 in Azure credits, expert guidance, and tools for early-stage growth, subject to programme approval and applicable terms. Microsoft may also deliver tailored one-hour sessions or workshops on topics such as AI, Security, Architecture Optimisation, and Marketplace.

Participation is free of charge for selected startups. Any travel or accommodation costs, where applicable, must be covered by participants.

Who can apply

Applicants must:

  • Be a mature startup located in or operating in Cyprus
  • Be past the initial idea or concept stage
  • Be committed to fully participating in the training and mentoring programme until December 2026
  • Be available to attend the Graduation Ceremony in December 2026

Timeline

  • Application deadline: 10 June 2026
  • Evaluation and selection: 10–18 June 2026
  • Training and mentoring activities: 18 June–30 November 2026
  • Graduation Ceremony: December 2026 at European University Cyprus

How to apply

Applicants must complete the programme’s application form by 10 June 2026. For further information, interested startups can contact startup@euc.ac.cy.

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