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Cyprus Launches Space Business Incubator To Boost Innovation And ESA Integration

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.

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.

Cyprus Property Deals Reach €286 Million Despite Second-Quarter Uncertainty

Cyprus’ high-end property market remained active in the first half of 2026, although geopolitical uncertainty may have weighed on investment activity during the second quarter.

€286.4 Million Across The 50 Largest Deals

Property transactions worth a combined €286.4 million ranked among Cyprus’ 50 highest-value deals completed between January and June, according to real estate analytics firm Ask Wire.

Examining the country’s biggest sales across all districts, the report found that the 10 largest transactions alone accounted for €161.7 million, highlighting the concentration of activity at the upper end of the market.

Limassol Extends Its Lead

A €55 million sale involving a building and adjoining fields in Moni was the largest property transaction recorded during the period.

Six of the country’s 10 biggest deals took place in Limassol, with a combined value of €117.2 million. Paphos followed with three transactions worth €35.5 million, while Larnaca recorded one €9 million sale.

Across the broader ranking, Limassol’s 10 largest transactions reached €148.2 million, representing 51.7% of the total value of the top 50 deals. Paphos followed with €68.8 million (24%), while Nicosia recorded €26.7 million. Famagusta narrowly surpassed Larnaca, reaching €21.4 million compared with €21.2 million.

Land Continues To Drive High-Value Deals

According to Ask Wire CEO Pavlos Loizou, land acquisitions continue to dominate Cyprus’ largest property transactions.

“The land market dominates the list of the 10 highest-value property transactions, with seven sales involving fields and plots.”

Many of those sites are expected to be developed into luxury residential and hospitality projects, he added.

Office Demand Remains Strong

Growing demand for office space also reflects the expansion of international companies establishing operations in Cyprus, Loizou said.

“We continue to observe growing demand for office properties, reflecting the expansion of the new ecosystem of international companies that has been establishing itself in Cyprus in recent years.”

Eight of the 10 largest transactions were completed during the first quarter of 2026, with activity slowing in the following three months.

Loizou said the slowdown may reflect investor caution linked to the conflict in the Middle East, which appears to have influenced investment decisions during the second quarter.

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