Open Calls

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.

RESIST II Opens €800,000 Funding Call For Process Innovation In Mobility And Transport

by News Editor

Overview

RESIST II Eurocluster has opened its Process Innovation Open Call, offering cascade funding to SMEs in the Mobility, Transport and Automotive ecosystem. The call supports companies seeking to improve their manufacturing or industrial processes by making their current operations more digital, greener and more resilient.

The call sits under RESIST II’s wider €1.6 million funding package for SMEs developing innovation projects linked to net-zero technologies and critical raw materials. The Process Innovation call itself has a budget of €800,000.

Benefits

Selected SMEs can receive lump-sum grants of:

  • Up to €20,000 for individual SME projects
  • Up to €30,000 per SME for consortium projects
  • Up to €60,000 per SME across RESIST II open calls

Beneficiaries will also have access to a pool of experts, coaching and mentoring, international market opportunities, online training for upskilling and reskilling, and technical support provided by CTAG.

Projects require 10% private co-financing from the beneficiary SMEs. Across the two cut-offs, RESIST II expects to support around 15 to 20 projects and fund around 25 to 30 SMEs.

Who Can Apply

The call is open to SMEs established in an EU Member State or a country participating in the Single Market Programme.

Applicants must be active in the ecosystem, either by working in sectors such as automotive, rail, waterborne and cycling, or by being a member of a cluster linked to the Mobility, Transport and Automotive ecosystem.

Criteria

Projects may be submitted by a single SME or by a consortium of two or three SMEs. Consortium projects must involve SMEs from different NUTS2 regions.

Submitted projects should address one or more of RESIST II’s four innovation pillars:

  • Net-Zero Manufacturing & Industrial Decarbonisation
  • Circular Critical Raw Materials & Resource Efficiency
  • Digital Mobility & Smart Industrial Systems
  • Resilient Mobility Value Chains

Projects funded under the first cut-off are expected to run for up to nine months, from October 2026 to June 2027.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically through the RESIST II platform. The first cut-off opened on 13 May 2026 and closes on 13 July 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time. A second cut-off is planned for May 2027.

About RESIST II

RESIST II Eurocluster supports European SMEs working in the Mobility, Transport and Automotive ecosystem, helping them advance their twin transition and strengthen resilience against market shifts and unexpected disruptions.

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