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

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.

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.

Apple TV Adds Sign Language Interpretation To Make More Originals Accessible

Apple is introducing sign language interpretation for selected films and series on Apple TV, making its original content more accessible to Deaf viewers. The company is working with Directors of Artistic Sign Language (DASLs) to ensure that each interpreter’s performance reflects the tone, style and atmosphere of the film or series.

The feature will use human interpreters rather than AI-generated avatars. Apple says this approach reflects the preferences expressed by members of the Deaf community, placing human performance and artistic interpretation at the centre of the experience.

How To Find And Enable The Feature

Sign language interpretation is available with the latest release of iOS 27.2 and can be enabled through a new option in Settings. Once activated, a dedicated sign language button will appear when users watch supported Apple Original titles.

On each title’s page, an icon will indicate whether sign language interpretation is available, alongside information about closed captions and audio descriptions. The Languages section will also list the sign languages offered for individual titles.

Apple is introducing additional discovery tools to help viewers find accessible content. These include an editorial collection called “Movies & Shows with American Sign Language”, while search terms such as “with ASL” can also be used to find supported titles.

Expanding Accessibility Across Apple TV

The launch is part of Apple’s broader effort to make its services and entertainment more accessible. Sarah Herrlinger, the company’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, said the feature is intended to make Apple TV content available to a wider audience.

“Bringing sign language interpretation to Apple TV is an exciting step forward in making the viewing experience more accessible and inclusive for Deaf audiences,” Herrlinger said in a statement.

She added that Apple plans to continue developing experiences that allow more people to enjoy the content they love.

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