Open Calls

Idea Innovation Centre Launches 11th Startup Programme To Empower Emerging Entrepreneurs

Innovative Gateway To Business Success

The IDEA Innovation Centre of Bank of Cyprus has opened applications for its 11th Startup Programme, inviting visionary entrepreneurs to transform breakthrough ideas into thriving businesses. Applications are being accepted until February 13, 2026.

Nurturing Scalable Ideas

Recognized as Cyprus’ premier hub for innovation and business support, IDEA is seeking teams that are developing novel products or services or innovating novel solutions to persistent challenges. To qualify, applicants must consist of at least two dedicated team members and demonstrate that their concept holds the potential to scale beyond local borders through advanced technology.

Comprehensive Support And Funding

The programme spans nine intensive months, merging robust funding with structured support. Participating startups will receive seed capital of €20,000 and undergo rigorous business-creation training designed to establish and optimize operational frameworks. Complementary services include expert mentorship from industry leaders, as well as legal, accounting, marketing, and ICT advisory, ensuring founders are well-equipped to navigate the competitive business landscape.

Strategic Networking And Investment Opportunities

In addition to foundational training, the programme facilitates access to business-development resources such as networking events and introductions to angel investors. Over the past decade, IDEA has evolved into a cornerstone of the Bank of Cyprus’ long-term commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, having supported the launch of 100 startups and assisted over 260 entrepreneurs in transforming early-stage ideas into established ventures.

Driving Economic Growth

The initiative is a strategic investment aimed at stimulating economic growth and harnessing local talent. Many alumni have successfully secured both local and international investment, expanded their operations globally, and generated more than 120 jobs, underscoring the tangible impact of a well-supported entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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

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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