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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.

Cyprus Property Deals Reach €286 Million Despite Second-Quarter Uncertainty

Cyprus’ high-end property market remained active in the first half of 2026, although geopolitical uncertainty may have weighed on investment activity during the second quarter.

€286.4 Million Across The 50 Largest Deals

Property transactions worth a combined €286.4 million ranked among Cyprus’ 50 highest-value deals completed between January and June, according to real estate analytics firm Ask Wire.

Examining the country’s biggest sales across all districts, the report found that the 10 largest transactions alone accounted for €161.7 million, highlighting the concentration of activity at the upper end of the market.

Limassol Extends Its Lead

A €55 million sale involving a building and adjoining fields in Moni was the largest property transaction recorded during the period.

Six of the country’s 10 biggest deals took place in Limassol, with a combined value of €117.2 million. Paphos followed with three transactions worth €35.5 million, while Larnaca recorded one €9 million sale.

Across the broader ranking, Limassol’s 10 largest transactions reached €148.2 million, representing 51.7% of the total value of the top 50 deals. Paphos followed with €68.8 million (24%), while Nicosia recorded €26.7 million. Famagusta narrowly surpassed Larnaca, reaching €21.4 million compared with €21.2 million.

Land Continues To Drive High-Value Deals

According to Ask Wire CEO Pavlos Loizou, land acquisitions continue to dominate Cyprus’ largest property transactions.

“The land market dominates the list of the 10 highest-value property transactions, with seven sales involving fields and plots.”

Many of those sites are expected to be developed into luxury residential and hospitality projects, he added.

Office Demand Remains Strong

Growing demand for office space also reflects the expansion of international companies establishing operations in Cyprus, Loizou said.

“We continue to observe growing demand for office properties, reflecting the expansion of the new ecosystem of international companies that has been establishing itself in Cyprus in recent years.”

Eight of the 10 largest transactions were completed during the first quarter of 2026, with activity slowing in the following three months.

Loizou said the slowdown may reflect investor caution linked to the conflict in the Middle East, which appears to have influenced investment decisions during the second quarter.

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