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EUC And Microsoft Open 5th Call For Startup Acceleration Programme In Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

European University Cyprus has launched the 5th Call for Applicants for the EUC Startup Programme powered by Microsoft, a free startup support programme designed for mature startups located in Cyprus.

Overview

The accelerator is organised by the School of Business of European University Cyprus in collaboration with Microsoft and organisations from the Cypriot entrepreneurial ecosystem. The programme combines training, mentoring, networking opportunities, and access to Microsoft resources to help startups strengthen their business model, accelerate growth, and improve market readiness.

Benefits

Selected startups will receive tailored training in key entrepreneurial and business topics, adapted to the stage and needs of each team. Indicative training areas include entrepreneurial skills, financial projections, Lean Startup principles, customer segmentation, ICT and technology trends, team collaboration, market analysis, investor pitching, Microsoft technologies for startups, and an introduction to Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub.

The programme also provides dedicated mentoring from experienced professionals across fields such as business consulting, ICT, marketing, banking, insurance, EU funding, accounting, public relations, shipping, and other relevant sectors. Each startup will be matched with a mentor and receive up to 10 hours of tailored mentoring support over three months.

Participants will also gain networking opportunities with business professionals, senior executives, investors, venture capital representatives, business angels, founders, and entrepreneurs, with the aim of supporting collaboration, market access, and commercialisation.

Through Microsoft, startups will be introduced to the Microsoft Startup Enablement Pack and the Microsoft for Startups programme, including potential benefits such as up to $5,000 in Azure credits, expert guidance, and tools for early-stage growth, subject to programme approval and applicable terms. Microsoft may also deliver tailored one-hour sessions or workshops on topics such as AI, Security, Architecture Optimisation, and Marketplace.

Participation is free of charge for selected startups. Any travel or accommodation costs, where applicable, must be covered by participants.

Who can apply

Applicants must:

  • Be a mature startup located in or operating in Cyprus
  • Be past the initial idea or concept stage
  • Be committed to fully participating in the training and mentoring programme until December 2026
  • Be available to attend the Graduation Ceremony in December 2026

Timeline

  • Application deadline: 10 June 2026
  • Evaluation and selection: 10–18 June 2026
  • Training and mentoring activities: 18 June–30 November 2026
  • Graduation Ceremony: December 2026 at European University Cyprus

How to apply

Applicants must complete the programme’s application form by 10 June 2026. For further information, interested startups can contact startup@euc.ac.cy.

NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 To Take Place In Nicosia And Limassol On 14–15 November

by News Editor

Overview

The NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 will take place on 14–15 November, with local events in Nicosia and Limassol giving participants in Cyprus the opportunity to join the international hackathon.

Held under the theme “The Next Frontier,” the two-day event invites participants to develop solutions to challenges involving Earth and space science, using publicly available data from NASA and its international space agency partners.

The global competition brings together students, engineers, scientists, developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and other enthusiasts to work in teams, exchange ideas, and develop projects addressing scientific and technological challenges.

Participation is free, and previous experience in programming or space science is not required.

What To Expect

The NASA Space Apps Challenge is an international hackathon in which teams work on challenges developed by NASA experts.

Participants use open scientific data to develop applications, data visualisations, games, prototypes and other creative solutions.

The challenges cover a range of subjects related to Earth and space science, including space exploration, astrophysics, agriculture, software development and storytelling.

Participants can bring together skills from different disciplines, including artificial intelligence, data analysis, engineering, science, design and communication.

Teams can include up to six participants, who select a challenge according to their interests and expertise.

Completed projects must be submitted through the official NASA Space Apps platform. Submissions are evaluated through a local judging process, with selected eligible projects nominated for consideration in the global judging stage.

Two Local Events In Cyprus

The 2026 competition includes local events in both Limassol and Nicosia, allowing participants to take part in the same global hackathon from either city.

Limassol

The Limassol edition is scheduled for 14–15 November 2026.

Further information and local registration are available through the NASA Space Apps Challenge Limassol page.

Nicosia

Participants should consult the NASA Space Apps Challenge Nicosia page for venue information, local arrangements and registration.

Both events form part of the same international NASA Space Apps Challenge.

Who Can Participate

The hackathon welcomes people of all ages, experience levels and professional backgrounds.

Participants do not need to be programmers or scientists. The competition encourages collaboration among people with interests and skills in technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, design, communication, science, and other fields.

Individuals can register and form or join a team, while existing groups can participate together.

Participants under the age of 18 must be registered by a parent or legal guardian and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the event, in accordance with NASA’s participation rules.

How To Register

Registration for the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2026 is open through the official competition website.

Participants must create or access a NASA Space Apps account, register for the 2026 competition, and select their preferred local event in Nicosia or Limassol.

Team formation and project submissions are also managed through the platform.

Global registration remains open until the hackathon closes on 15 November 2026. Projects must be submitted by 23:59 local time on Sunday, 15 November, to be considered for judging.

Participation is free.

Full details, official challenges and registration instructions are available at spaceappschallenge.org/2026.

About The NASA Space Apps Challenge

The NASA Space Apps Challenge is an annual international hackathon bringing together participants from different disciplines to develop solutions using NASA’s open data and information from its space agency partners.

Held annually since 2012, the competition encourages collaboration, problem-solving, and public engagement with science and technology.

According to NASA, the 2025 edition attracted more than 114,000 registered participants across 551 local events worldwide.

The 2026 edition involves 17 international space agency partners, including the European Space Agency.

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