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Eratosthenes Centre Launches Space Bic To Catalyze Space-Based Innovation In Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 21, 2025

Introducing Space Bic

The Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence has unveiled its latest initiative, Space Bic, a dedicated business incubation centre designed to foster space-based entrepreneurship in Cyprus. This pioneering launch is poised to provide startups and entrepreneurs with the vital support needed to harness satellite data, space technologies, and geoinformation services.

Robust Funding And Strategic Support

Operated by the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence and supported by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Space Bic is set to offer up to €50,000 in non-equity de minimis funding for each selected participant or team. Over a 24-month incubation period, chosen ventures will have the opportunity to develop prototypes, validate technologies, and scale innovations. The programme’s tailored support includes access to workspaces, state-of-the-art infrastructure, expert mentoring, technological guidance, and crucial market access that are essential for breakthrough advancements.

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Eligibility And Application Process

The call for applications is now open until October 15, 2025. Eligible applicants include companies established within the past five years, as well as teams or individuals planning to launch a company in Cyprus with clear relevance to the space sector and a viable business model. The structured incubation features two distinct cycles, with the second scheduled to launch in mid-2026, allowing for continued support as businesses evolve.

Evolving The Space Economy

In an era where the space economy is becoming a pivotal frontier for innovation across agriculture, environmental monitoring, security, and smart mobility, Space Bic is strategically positioned to enable Cyprus and the broader region to contribute meaningfully to this global trend. By nurturing ventures that deliver practical, real-world solutions through advanced space-enabled technologies, the initiative underlines Cyprus’ commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation.

Building A Collaborative Ecosystem

Beyond funding and infrastructure, the Space Bic initiative is an invitation for government agencies, academic institutions, research organizations, and private enterprises to collaborate in co-creating a robust space innovation ecosystem. The Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence expressed profound appreciation to the Deputy Ministry for its collaboration, ensuring that this initiative is built on a foundation of strong governmental and institutional support.

Join The Next Frontier Of Innovation

Space Bic is more than an incubation centre—it is a strategic launchpad for the future of space innovation. Interested applicants can learn more and submit their applications by visiting the initiative’s website. For further details, potential partners may reach out via email or telephone.

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Cyprus Tourism Shows Strength As Clean Monday Hotel Bookings Surge

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 18, 2026

Hotels Embrace A Bright Outlook

Recent figures point to growing momentum in hotel reservations ahead of the Clean Monday weekend, signaling renewed confidence in Cyprus’ tourism sector. Christos Angelides, Director of PASYXE, emphasized the positive trend while also underscoring the need to gradually extend the tourism season beyond traditional peak months.

Favorable Conditions And Festive Spirit

Angelides noted that bookings recorded during the past weekend reached encouraging levels, a development attributed to multiple converging factors. The return of sunny weather after prolonged rainfall, coupled with the festive aura of carnival events and children’s parades in cities such as Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos, has motivated many to opt for short getaways. This seasonal momentum is further boosted by the strategic initiatives of local hotels, many of which are curating special menus for Clean Monday events, offering guests an enhanced stay experience by keeping them on-premise.

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Positioning For The Off-Season

Despite the positive indicators, Angelides cautioned that average occupancy rates of 25%–30% highlight the need for continued innovation rather than complacency. He described the current period as part of a longer process of building winter tourism and pointed to opportunities in conferences, corporate events and niche travel segments as potential drivers of year-round demand.

Expanding Air Connectivity and Collective Ecosystem

Industry expectations are further supported by expanded air connections from established markets such as the United Kingdom and Israel, alongside increased routes from Armenia, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia and Poland. While recovery in the German market remains gradual, broader improvements in connectivity continue to strengthen overall tourism prospects. Angelides added that sustainable year-round tourism depends on a wider ecosystem that extends beyond accommodation to include restaurants, museums, cultural venues and community events.

The Path Forward

Cyprus continues to benefit from strong competitive advantages in climate, accessibility and hospitality infrastructure. With coordinated planning across tourism stakeholders and consistent investment in diversified offerings, the sector is positioned to contribute more steadily to the national economy and support a more balanced, all-season travel model.