Open Calls

Cyprus Seeds Expands Strategic Team Amid Innovation Boom

Expanding Horizons

Cyprus Seeds, a pioneer in fostering research commercialisation and innovation projects both domestically and abroad, is strategically expanding its lean team. With a robust seven-year legacy and an impressive portfolio of academic and commercial achievements, the non-profit organization is set to double its workforce by recruiting two key professionals.

Leadership Role: Head Of Innovation Support Unit

The organization is seeking an experienced, full-time Head of the Innovation Support Unit to spearhead its participation in major European-funded projects. This role is pivotal in managing initiatives such as the Horizon Europe-backed PHAETHON project, aimed at establishing the FOSS Research Centre for Sustainable Energy as a Centre of Excellence, and the national digital hub DiGiNN. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating project deliverables, preparing detailed reports for the European Commission and national authorities, and developing advanced innovation management services. Essential qualifications include a master’s degree, hands-on experience with Horizon Europe projects, and a firm grasp of research commercialisation and intellectual property dynamics. Additional credentials in project management and entrepreneurship will be regarded as assets.

Operational Excellence: Innovation Project Officer

In addition to the leadership role, Cyprus Seeds is recruiting an Innovation Project Officer to bolster the operational framework of its European project portfolio. This role will provide critical support in ensuring the seamless execution of tasks related to the PHAETHON initiative. The appointment reflects the organization’s commitment to reinforcing its innovation ecosystem and operational efficiency.

Trailblazing Achievements And Future Prospects

Over the past seven years, Cyprus Seeds has made significant strides in enhancing the commercial viability of academic research. The organization has funded 24 scientific projects, facilitated the launch of five spin-offs, and secured two licensing agreements, while collaborating with internationally renowned entities such as The MIT Deshpande Centre, The Hellenic Initiative, the egg accelerator, Conception X, and DTU’s Skylab.

Ranked by the Financial Times in 2025 as one of Europe’s Leading Start-Up Hubs, Cyprus Seeds continues to fortify its leadership in innovation by actively engaging in landmark projects like the €45 million PHAETHON Centre of Excellence and DiGiNN, which focuses on intelligent, sustainable energy solutions and digital transformation.

Join A Forward-Thinking Initiative

The new roles not only offer competitive remuneration—including a thirteenth salary and hybrid work options—but also provide a unique opportunity to collaborate with top-tier universities, EU institutions, and international research partners. Interested candidates are invited to submit their CVs by September 30, 2025, to the designated email address.

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou Elevates Bi-Communal Business Awards to €500,000

Empowering Cross-Community Entrepreneurship

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is set to once again champion bi-communal economic collaboration in Cyprus, announcing the 16th edition of the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Co-operation with an increased total prize fund of €500,000. This prestigious accolade reaffirms Sir Stelios’ enduring commitment to fostering harmonious business relations between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs.

Enhanced Financial Incentives for Sustainable Growth

In a strategic move to further strengthen cross-community partnerships, the award structure has been augmented for the second consecutive year. Eighteen entrepreneurs, organized into nine bi-communal teams, will compete for substantial financial backing designed to stimulate reinvestment, growth, and stability in their business ventures.

Structured Award Categories and Prize Distribution

The awards program delineates three categories of recognition. The Gold category allocates a total of €150,000, awarding €75,000 to each entrepreneur in a winning team. Two teams will share the Silver prize, receiving a cumulative €200,000, each member earning €100,000. Meanwhile, six teams competing for the Bronze award will see a combined allocation of €150,000, translating to €25,000 per team or €12,500 per entrepreneur.

A Clear Path to Application

Applications open on January 8, 2026, and will remain accessible until April 30, 2026. Interested candidates are invited to download the application form and submit the completed document via email to Marios Missirlis at the provided contact address. Eligibility extends to Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot business owners with an annual turnover of at least €10,000 and a functioning business staff beyond the owner. Moreover, applicants must provide documentation substantiating joint business endeavors in both communities. Notably, past winners and previous applicants are encouraged to reapply.

A Celebration of Shared Vision and Prosperity

The winners will be announced by Sir Stelios on June 4, 2026, at the Head Offices of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation in Nicosia. Sir Stelios emphasizes that these awards transcend mere financial incentives, embodying the transformative power of entrepreneurship to bridge historical divides and cultivate a forward-looking economic landscape in Cyprus.

A Legacy of Peace and Progress

Now marking 16 years of bi-communal cooperation, the Stelios Awards have grown to an impressive cumulative value of €5.3 million. They are a cornerstone in a suite of initiatives by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation—an organization dedicated to supporting charitable causes and innovative ventures across Cyprus, Greece, the UK, Ireland, Monaco, and France. Alongside the Business Co-operation Awards, the Foundation also extends its support to young entrepreneurs and addresses critical social needs through programs such as the “Food from the Heart” initiative.

Conclusion

In backing these cross-community efforts, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou not only invests in business excellence but also promotes dialogue, shared responsibility, and peace. The enhanced prize fund serves not merely as a financial boost but as a powerful endorsement of the role that united, innovative efforts play in shaping a prosperous and cohesive Cyprus.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
eCredo
Aretilaw firm
Uol

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter