Cypriot Water Security Project Among EU-Funded Innovations

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 24, 2025

A cutting-edge project hosted by the University of Cyprus, aimed at enhancing the security of water distribution systems, is among 134 initiatives selected for funding under the European Research Council’s 2024 Proof of Concept grants. These grants, totaling €20 million, will support innovative projects from EU member states and Horizon Europe participants.

The Cypriot project, titled WaterSAFE: An Integrated Cyber-Physical Security Solution for Water Distribution Systems, has been awarded €150,000. This funding will help bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application, advancing the development of robust solutions for water system security.

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The Proof of Concept program empowers researchers to validate the practical feasibility of their ideas, assess commercial potential, and prepare for patent applications. It plays a critical role in transitioning scientific breakthroughs into market-ready technologies.

Selected projects span a range of fields, including autonomous satellite navigation, food fraud prevention, cancer drug repurposing, and improved treatments for life-threatening diseases.

This year’s grantees represent 20 countries across Europe. Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands lead with 15 projects each, followed by Spain and the UK (14 each), and Israel (12). Cyprus secured one grant, standing alongside nations such as Croatia, Poland, and Portugal.

The WaterSAFE project’s inclusion highlights Cyprus’s growing contribution to innovative, globally relevant research initiatives.

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Short-Form Video Unleashed: Transforming The Living Room Experience

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 15, 2026

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.

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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.

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