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Cyprus Shines at SLUSH 2024: A Regional Innovation Powerhouse

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) is proudly leading a dynamic Cypriot delegation at SLUSH 2024, one of the world’s most prestigious innovation and entrepreneurship festivals, held in Helsinki, Finland, on November 20-21, 2024.

SLUSH 2024 serves as a global melting pot for entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders, creating a fertile ground for collaboration and showcasing cutting-edge ideas. Representing Cyprus are over 40 participants, including 18 promising startups and scaleups, eager to present their groundbreaking solutions to an international audience.

Heading the Cypriot delegation is RIF Board Member Andreas Andreou. In collaboration with organizations from Bulgaria and Greece, RIF co-organized a compelling side event titled “Breaking Boundaries: SEE Tech Meets the World at Slush”. This initiative not only highlighted Cyprus’s thriving tech ecosystem but also fostered cross-border partnerships with Southeast European neighbours.

During the event, RIF’s Director General, Theodoros Loukaidis, positioned Cyprus as a burgeoning regional hub for innovation and technology. He emphasized the country’s government-backed incentives and significant investments that fuel its entrepreneurial spirit, cementing its reputation as a leader in the Mediterranean tech landscape.

A key highlight was the presentation by RIF Scientific Officer A’, Georgia Kleanthous, who introduced the innovative work of the 18 participating Cypriot companies. Her insights showcased the potential of these startups and scaleups to disrupt industries and deliver value on a global scale.

The event culminated in a networking reception, providing Cypriot businesses with valuable opportunities to connect with international clients and investors. These connections are expected to pave the way for collaborative ventures and accelerated growth for Cyprus’s innovation sector.

Cyprus’s participation in SLUSH 2024 underscores its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, solidifying its position as a tech-forward nation ready to make its mark on the global stage.

Bitcoin Surges 23% In A Week As Investor Optimism Returns

by News Editor

Bitcoin was on track for a weekly gain of around 23% on Friday as a series of positive macroeconomic and policy developments boosted investor sentiment.

The cryptocurrency was trading about 6% higher at roughly $77,000, up from around $62,800 at the start of the week. Crypto-related stocks also rallied, with Coinbase and Circle gaining more than 9%, while Strategy rose 7%.

Macro Factors Fuel Rally

Bitcoin’s latest surge began Wednesday after Treasury yields fell sharply following a major intervention by the U.S. Treasury in the bond market. Lower yields eased pressure on risk assets and helped trigger a broader move into cryptocurrencies.

The rally was further amplified by a major short squeeze. Around $2.7 billion in crypto short positions were liquidated, according to CoinGlass.

Max Stuedlein, head of Partnerships at Sygnum APAC, said the move reflected an alignment of macroeconomic and policy catalysts, including the Treasury’s decision to increase buybacks of longer-dated government debt.

Clarity Act Boosts Sentiment

Investor confidence improved further on Thursday as the White House and crypto industry leaders made a final push to advance the Clarity Act in the coming weeks.

The legislation is widely viewed as a potential catalyst for the crypto market, although its chances of passing remain relatively limited.

Despite the rally, bitcoin remains well below its 2026 high of $94,820 reached in January and its all-time high of $126,198, set last October.

Analysts See More Volatility Ahead

Lucy Gazmararian, founder and managing partner at Token Bay Capital, said the crypto market may be approaching the end of its bear cycle.

She expects bitcoin could experience one more decline of around 20% before the market turns, pointing to historical cycles and the recent liquidation of heavily leveraged short positions.

Gazmararian also described bitcoin as a long-term hedge against monetary debasement, while warning that its short-term price remains highly volatile and driven by market cycles.

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