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Cyprus Launches Survey To Shape New Cybersecurity Startup Funding Programme

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 24, 2026

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has informed businesses about a new survey launched by the Digital Security Authority (DSA) to assess the needs of cybersecurity startups ahead of a planned funding programme.

Industry Consultation Begins Before Funding Rollout

Launched by the DSA in its capacity as Cyprus’ National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCC-CY), the survey aims to gather information on the challenges, priorities and development needs of startups operating in the cybersecurity sector.

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Its findings will help shape a future grant scheme while providing authorities with a clearer understanding of the needs of companies active in the industry.

Grant Scheme Tied To European Cybersecurity Objectives

Implementation of the support programme will take place through the European N4CY2 project and is aligned with Regulation (EU) 2021/887, which focuses on strengthening cybersecurity capabilities, resilience and innovation across the European Union.

According to the DSA, feedback collected through the survey will contribute to the development of funding measures aimed at supporting the growth of cybersecurity startups.

Why Startup Participation Matters

Keve encouraged startups and other stakeholders to participate in the consultation process, noting that their input can help ensure future support measures reflect the realities and challenges faced by the sector.

Areas covered by the questionnaire include business development, innovation, operational challenges and future growth opportunities within the cybersecurity ecosystem.

Through direct feedback from market participants, the DSA aims to design a funding programme that is better aligned with the needs of emerging cybersecurity companies.

Survey Open Until June 26

Eligible businesses are being encouraged to complete the questionnaire and contribute to the consultation process before the scheme is launched. Responses will be accepted until June 26, 2026.

The chamber said the information submitted will be used exclusively for the design of the grant scheme and will be handled under strict confidentiality. Businesses interested in participating can access the questionnaire here.

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Relay Shuts Down As Its Founder Returns To Google To Shape The Future Of Chrome

by News Editor

August 18, 2026

AI workflow automation startup Relay is shutting down, with founder and CEO Jacob Bank returning to Google as vice president of product for Chrome. Some other Relay employees are also joining Google’s Chrome team.

Relay launched in 2021 with ambitions to challenge automation platforms such as Zapier. Its platform helped businesses automate repetitive work, including document creation, copyediting and project management.

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According to Relay’s announcement, free users lost access on August 15, while paying customers will be able to use the service until September 14. The shutdown was first announced in July.

Relay Founder Returns To Google

Bank previously spent more than six years at Google. He joined the company in 2015 after Google acquired his scheduling startup Timeful, later working on products including Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Chat.

Now back at Google, Bank will lead Chrome’s product and developer relations teams. He said the role will focus on helping people use AI in Chrome while preserving their creativity and decision-making.

Bank described Chrome as a strong platform for working with AI agents and said he would share more about Google’s plans in the future.

Chrome Becomes A Bigger AI Platform

Bank’s return comes as Google continues expanding AI across its consumer products. Gemini is already integrated into Search and Chrome, where it can act as an in-browser assistant and support more agentic tasks.

The company’s AI push is also reaching a growing user base. Google recently said the Gemini app had surpassed 1 billion users.

For Relay, the shutdown marks the end of an attempt to build an AI-powered alternative to established workflow automation platforms. For Google, bringing Bank and members of his team into Chrome could strengthen its efforts to make AI agents a more central part of the browser experience.