Cyprus Launches Space Business Incubator To Boost Innovation And ESA Integration

by News Editor

March 24, 2025

Cyprus is taking a bold step into the space economy with the launch of its first Space Business Incubator Center (Space BIC), spearheaded by the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence. The agreement to establish the incubator was signed on March 17, 2025, during the 11th International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geo-Information for Environment in Paphos. The signatories included Georgios Komodromos, Deputy Director General of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, and Professor Diofantos Hadjimitsis, CEO of the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence.

“The Space BIC represents a major leap forward in fostering a cutting-edge innovation ecosystem in the space sector, with wide-ranging benefits for Cyprus,” the Centre stated.

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A Strategic Gateway To The European Space Economy

The incubator is more than just a hub for startups—it’s a strategic initiative positioning Cyprus for deeper integration into the European Space Agency (ESA). By supporting pioneering space technologies and applications, the program aims to drive the growth of space-focused enterprises while cultivating international industry collaborations.

Nurturing Space Startups And Cross-Border Partnerships

Designed to support entrepreneurs leveraging space-based technologies, the incubator will provide resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities for early-stage companies. It will also facilitate the creation of startup clusters, strengthening cooperation and accelerating knowledge exchange across borders.

“Startups will go through a structured selection process to secure support for their ventures—whether in satellite technology, hardware development, or data-driven applications,” the Centre explained. The selection rounds will be held multiple times a year, ensuring a steady pipeline of innovation in Cyprus’s emerging space sector.

With this initiative, Cyprus is staking its claim in the global space economy—fostering innovation, attracting investment, and positioning itself as a key player in Europe’s space technology landscape.

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

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 12, 2026

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.

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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.