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EMBIO Diagnostics Acquires BlueTech’s Ballast Water Treatment Business: A Strategic Expansion

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 27, 2024

In a strategic acquisition, Nicosia-based EMBIO Diagnostics has acquired AG Catalytic Solutions, the developer of BlueTech’s non-chemical ballast water treatment technology. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for EMBIO, enhancing its portfolio with advanced environmental solutions for the maritime industry. AG Catalytic Solutions is well-known for its innovative approach to ballast water management, which is crucial for preventing the spread of invasive aquatic species and complying with international maritime regulations.

The synergy between EMBIO and AG Catalytic Solutions has been evident through their past collaborations, including the development of a portable ballast water testing kit. This prior partnership has laid a strong foundation for the integration of AG Catalytic Solutions’ technologies into EMBIO’s broader diagnostic and environmental solutions framework.

With this acquisition, EMBIO aims to leverage AG Catalytic Solutions’ intellectual property and technological advancements to offer more comprehensive and eco-friendly solutions to its clients. The move also underscores EMBIO’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, positioning the company as a leader in the development of green technologies within the maritime sector.

The acquisition is expected to drive significant advancements in the treatment of ballast water, an area of increasing regulatory scrutiny and environmental importance. By incorporating AG Catalytic Solutions’ expertise, EMBIO is poised to enhance its service offerings, ensuring that shipping companies can meet stringent environmental standards while maintaining operational efficiency.

This development also highlights the growing importance of technological innovation in addressing global environmental challenges. As maritime regulations become more stringent, the demand for effective and sustainable ballast water treatment solutions is expected to rise, positioning EMBIO and its newly acquired technologies at the forefront of this critical industry transformation.

New Decrees For Blue Card And Foreign Students: Key Changes And Implications

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 20, 2024

The Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance has announced a series of new measures aimed at addressing the increasing demands of Cyprus’ labor market. These initiatives are designed to attract highly skilled professionals from third countries and broaden employment opportunities for foreign students in select fields, as outlined in the recent Decrees published in the Official Gazette of the Republic.

Attracting Skilled Professionals

One of the key updates is the introduction of a minimum annual salary for foreign professionals, which has been set at €43,632, 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Cyprus. This salary threshold applies to individuals coming to work in sectors such as Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), pharmaceuticals for research purposes, and maritime industries (excluding skippers and crew).

Expanded Employment Options For Foreign Students

The new regulations also provide an update on the employment rights of foreign students. From December 2024, students from third countries will be able to work in Cyprus, with the new rules replacing the previous March 2024 start date.

Students studying ICT who have completed their first academic semester will be eligible to work in occupations related to their field of study, thereby gaining practical experience while pursuing their education.

In response to critical sector shortages, the regulations also clarify the specific occupations and salaries that Blue Card holders—third-country nationals—will be eligible for in Cyprus. The Blue Card, in line with the European Directive, allows highly skilled professionals to live and work in EU member states.

Strengthening The Labor Market and Economy

These updates are expected to bolster the supply of specialized workers in key sectors, addressing existing gaps and promoting the continued growth of Cyprus’ economy. At the same time, the new measures offer foreign students enhanced opportunities for professional development, facilitating their seamless integration into the country’s workforce.