Cyprus RIF Partners With NetU To Launch Salesforce-Based Grants Platform

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) partnered with NetU Consultants Ltd to develop a grants management platform based on Salesforce technology. This system is intended to support the administration of research funding processes across Cyprus.

Modernizing The Grants Administration Process

The platform will cover the full lifecycle of grant management, including calls for proposals, application evaluation and payment processing. It will operate as a Software as a Service solution accessible to applicants, evaluators and RIF staff. Designed to centralize processes, the system improves coordination between stakeholders. Access and data handling will follow standardized procedures.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Enhancing Operational Efficiency Through Automation

Automation of administrative workflows will support reporting through integrated analytics tools, reducing manual processing and improving data availability. Flexible architecture allows updates and additional functions as requirements evolve, supporting the gradual expansion of capabilities.

A Decisive Step Forward

Theodoros Loukaidis, Director General of RIF, said the project forms part of a broader digital transition initiated more than three years ago. Implementation is expected to be completed within nine months. That timeline aligns with preparation for the 2028–2034 programming period, supporting future funding cycles.

Strategic Collaboration And Digital Transformation

Demetris Nisiotis, CEO of NetU Group, said the project uses Salesforce-based tools to support grant administration processes and improve operational coordination. This partnership reflects ongoing efforts to digitize public sector functions related to research and innovation.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Banks Urged To Focus On Long-Term Resilience As Profits Remain Strong

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 26, 2026

The Cypriot banking sector remains in a strong position, supported by solid capital buffers and overall financial stability, according to speakers at the annual general meeting of the Association of Cyprus Banks. At the same time, government officials and regulators stressed that maintaining this position will require continued discipline and long-term planning.

A Strong Sector, But Not A Complacent One

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos used the meeting to highlight concerns over draft laws recently passed by parliament, which, according to the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank and the Legal Service, may contain constitutional, legal and institutional issues. Those concerns, he noted, led to presidential referrals and remittals to the Supreme Court.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Keravnos also said the European Central Bank had been consulted on proposed measures concerning the suspension of foreclosures and the restructuring of loans and guarantees, adding that the ECB had expressed its own concerns.

Profitability Should Reflect Real Economy Lending

While acknowledging that the banking sector remains highly profitable, Keravnos said earnings are expected to reach around €1 billion in 2025, lower than in 2024 as interest-rate conditions gradually normalize.

He said he would prefer bank profitability to rely more on lending to businesses operating in productive sectors and less on the widening of European Central Bank interest-rate spreads.

According to the minister, Cyprus’ return to investment-grade status after 11 years has strengthened the country’s appeal to foreign investors, technology companies and startups. He said this should encourage banks to offer financing that better supports businesses while improving the diversification of their loan portfolios.

The Central Bank’s Warning: Strength Today Is Not A Guarantee Tomorrow

Central Bank Governor Christodoulos Patsalides also warned against complacency, saying the sector’s current strength should not be taken for granted.

“The Cypriot banking sector is strong today. But strength that truly matters is not exhausted by a capital ratio, a profit line or a favorable cycle,” he said.

Patsalides added that lasting resilience depends on institutions remaining strong as conditions change, risks become more complex, and competition evolves. In his view, that requires sufficient capital buffers, adaptable infrastructure and management teams prepared for changing market conditions.

Long-Term Resilience Over Short-Term Gains

Patsalides also stressed that banks should focus on long-term resilience rather than short-term performance. Decisions on dividend policy, capital allocation and the use of resources, he said, should take into account continued investment in technology, operational resilience, human capital and long-term adaptability.

He added that banks able to remain competitive over time will be those that invest early in strengthening their capacity to adapt and respond to future challenges.

Breaking news