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Cyprus Government And UCY Partner On Antibiotic And Infection Monitoring Platform

The Ministry of Health has formed a significant alliance with the University of Cyprus and the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation ‘KOIOS’ to create the ‘BIOCARE’ platform—a digital solution aimed at transforming antibiotic usage and infection monitoring in the country’s hospitals.

This collaboration is a cornerstone of the broader strategy to strengthen public health systems. At the heart of this initiative is the BIOCARE platform, designed to efficiently gather, analyze, and utilize data in real-time, providing crucial insights into antibiotic consumption and hospital-acquired infections.

The Ministry of Health highlighted that antimicrobial resistance and infections contracted in hospitals present ongoing global challenges. These issues not only complicate infection treatments but also prolong patient hospital stays, adding pressure to healthcare systems worldwide.

BIOCARE aims to tackle these concerns head-on by harnessing the power of advanced artificial intelligence and data analytics. The platform will oversee antibiotic use, track antimicrobial resistance, and implement cutting-edge strategies to reduce infections acquired during hospital stays.

By enabling early detection of emerging trends, BIOCARE will empower health authorities to make more informed decisions, optimize antibiotic stewardship, and bolster infection prevention efforts in hospitals across the nation. This step represents a pivotal moment in building a dynamic, forward-thinking surveillance system that promotes responsible antibiotic use, curbs hospital-acquired infections, and strengthens the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.

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