Opens in a new tab

Open Calls

Digital Prosperity Awards 2027 Open To Cyprus Startups, SMEs And Public Sector Organisations

by News Editor

Overview

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has opened applications and nominations for the second edition of the Digital Prosperity Awards (DPA), recognising digital solutions, initiatives and partnerships that deliver economic and social impact.

Held under the theme “Building the Future, Today,” the awards aim to recognise projects that use technology to improve public services, support business growth, advance innovation and expand participation in the digital economy.

Applications and nominations close on 4 January 2027, with winners expected to be recognised at an awards ceremony in 2027.

Award Categories

The second edition features seven categories across three pillars, covering digital transformation, innovation, sustainability and social inclusion.

Digital Enablers

  • Public Sector Transformation: Implemented digital initiatives or policies that improve the accessibility, efficiency or quality of public services.
  • Cooperation: Partnerships that deliver measurable digital-economy outcomes through shared implementation, governance or resources.

Digital Innovation

  • Disruptive Solutions: Digital applications that introduce or significantly improve how people, organisations or markets operate.
  • Digital Public Goods: Open-source software, open data, open AI systems or open standards that meet recognised digital-public-good requirements and can be reused or adapted.

Digital Society

  • Sustainability: Digital initiatives supporting environmental protection, climate resilience or responsible resource management.
  • Equality and Inclusion: Solutions expanding meaningful digital access and participation for underserved or excluded communities.
  • Protecting Society: Digital initiatives or policies improving online safety, cybersecurity, trust or resilience while respecting applicable rights and safeguards.

Each of the seven categories will recognise two winners, one government and one non-government winner from a DCO Member State.

Flagship Awards

Alongside the category awards, three flagship prizes will recognise exceptional contributions to digital prosperity.

The DCO Member State Award recognises an outstanding contribution by an eligible SME, startup or civil society organisation that has won a category award and is based in a DCO Member State.

The DCO International Award recognises an eligible civil society organisation from either a DCO Member State or a country outside the organisation.

The Bridging the Gap Award recognises an eligible SME, startup or civil society organisation from a DCO or non-DCO Member State whose solution addresses a digital-economy gap identified through the DCO’s Digital Economy Navigator. Entries must demonstrate impact and the potential for scaling or replication.

The awards offer international recognition through the DCO’s platforms and networks. Further details of prizes and winner benefits will be announced by the organisers.

Who Can Apply

Applications are open to eligible organisations across the public, private and civil society sectors.

Potential applicants include government bodies, municipalities, public institutions, established companies, SMEs, startups, NGOs, foundations and other qualifying organisations.

Teams of at least two adults aged 18 or over may also apply with a jointly developed solution, provided they receive formal endorsement from an eligible institution, such as a university, research organisation, incubator, accelerator, company or public institution.

Organisations outside DCO Member States may also participate through specific international award pathways.

Eligible civil society organisations can apply through the relevant international stream, while other qualifying international non-government applicants may be considered for the Bridging the Gap Award, subject to the published requirements.

Eligibility And Selection Criteria

Applicants must submit a digital initiative, programme, partnership or solution that has already been implemented and produced evidence of results.

Digital technology must play a substantial role in delivering those outcomes. The awards therefore focus on demonstrated impact rather than concepts or proposals that have not yet been implemented.

Applications will be assessed against four main criteria: creativity and innovation; demonstrated performance and impact; social responsibility and sustainability; and collaboration and feasibility at scale. The selection process begins with administrative and eligibility screening, including independent reputational and integrity checks.

Eligible entries then progress through technical assessment and shortlisting, followed by evaluation by an international judging panel.

Shortlisted applicants will deliver a five-minute presentation, followed by a 10-minute Q&A. A separate cross-pillar assessment will determine the flagship prize winners.

How To Apply

Applications and nominations close on 4 January 2027. Participation is free of charge.

Applicants must register through the Digital Prosperity Awards platform, complete the application form in English and submit the required supporting information and evidence. An organisation or institutionally endorsed team may submit one application per category, but each application can be entered in only one category. Individuals and organisations can also nominate an eligible organisation through the official nomination form. Nominated organisations must subsequently complete the full application process to be considered for an award.

The awards ceremony is currently planned for March 2027, with the final date and venue to be announced.

Full eligibility requirements, category descriptions and application guidance are available on the official Digital Prosperity Awards website.

For enquiries, applicants can contact dpa@dco.org.

About The Digital Cooperation Organization

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) is an international intergovernmental organisation established in 2020 to accelerate the inclusive and sustainable growth of the digital economy.

It brings together 16 Member States, including Cyprus, and works with governments, businesses, civil society and international organisations to advance digital cooperation, innovation and economic participation.

The Digital Prosperity Awards form part of its efforts to recognise initiatives delivering measurable improvements in digital access, economic opportunity and social development.

Keve To Host Round Table On Working Carers And New Care Subsidy Scheme In Nicosia

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) will bring together policymakers, employers and social partners in Nicosia on September 29, 2026, for a round-table discussion on one of the workplace’s most pressing but often overlooked challenges: how employees with care responsibilities can remain fully engaged in work while supporting a family member in need.

A Growing Workplace Priority

The discussion will focus on workers who care for an elderly relative, a person with a disability or another family member requiring assistance. As populations age and care needs rise, the pressure on employees to balance professional obligations with informal caregiving is becoming a significant issue for businesses, public authorities and society at large.

For employers, the question is no longer whether care responsibilities affect the workplace, but how to respond in a way that supports retention, productivity and employee wellbeing.

What The Event Will Cover

Organised as part of Keve’s participation in the European CareDivide project, the round table will provide a forum for information-sharing, discussion and the exchange of practical experience on the realities facing working carers.

A key theme will be the need for a better balance between professional and personal life for employees who provide unpaid care. The event will also examine how employers, public authorities and other relevant organisations can better address the needs of this workforce segment.

Care Subsidy Scheme To Be Presented

Phanos Kouroufexis, senior officer at the Welfare Benefits Administration Service of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, will present the Care Services Subsidy Scheme during the session.

His remarks will outline the support available to people who require care, their families and informal carers. The presentation will be followed by an open discussion and question-and-answer session, allowing participants to raise practical concerns and learn more about available forms of support.

Policy Ideas And Workplace Solutions

The round table will also present policy proposals developed through the CareDivide project and explore concrete ways in which businesses, public administration and social partners can help create more accommodating workplaces for employees with care responsibilities.

That includes approaches that can reduce the strain on workers who must navigate deadlines, schedules and family care obligations simultaneously—an issue that can affect attendance, engagement and long-term labour market participation.

Who Should Attend

The event is aimed at employers, human resources professionals, policymakers, public authorities, social partners, non-governmental organisations and researchers, as well as anyone with an interest in employment, equality and care.

Participation is free. Keve said the session is intended to encourage the exchange of information and practical approaches that could contribute to a more supportive working environment.

Event Details

The discussion will be held in Greek on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Keve building in Nicosia.

Interested participants can register through this registration link until September 25, 2026.

Keve is part of the consortium behind the CareDivide project, which is co-funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme. The initiative is being implemented in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Romania and Spain.

The broader significance is clear: workers who provide informal care are increasingly central to the conversation about labour force participation, workplace flexibility and social support. As care demands grow, the ability to combine employment with caregiving will remain a practical test for both employers and policymakers.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Aretilaw firm
Uol
eCredo

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter