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Plug And Play Cyprus Debuts As A Catalyst For Global Innovation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 9, 2026

International Collaboration For A Digital Future

Plug and Play Cyprus was officially launched at an event held at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. The initiative is aimed at strengthening collaboration between international investors, startups, and the local innovation ecosystem, expanding Cyprus’s role in global technology networks.

Government Endorsement And Strategic Vision

The event brought together government officials, representatives from Plug and Play Tech Center, and key stakeholders from the technology and entrepreneurship sectors. Dr Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, said the initiative reflects Cyprus’s approach to attracting high-value investment and strengthening links with global innovation networks. He added that the focus includes building partnerships with international stakeholders and supporting the development of modern production capabilities.

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A Bridge To Global Markets

Minister Ireni Piki said the platform connects international capital with local entrepreneurs and global technology networks. She noted that the initiative is intended to support collaboration, improve access to international markets, and facilitate partnerships that contribute to economic growth and innovation. The platform also reflects ongoing efforts to align Cyprus’s investment strategy with global market dynamics.

Plug And Play Tech Center: A Global Powerhouse

Plug and Play Tech Center, founded in 2006, operates as a global innovation platform and startup accelerator with presence across multiple international locations. The organisation connects startups with corporations, venture capital firms, and public sector entities, providing access to global networks, investment opportunities, and commercial partnerships.

Driving Economic Resilience Through Innovation

Innovation and investment remain key elements of economic development, particularly in a period of geopolitical uncertainty. Plug and Play Cyprus is expected to support startups and SMEs by improving access to funding, international partnerships, and market opportunities, while strengthening links between local companies and global investors.

Noteworthy Achievements In The Cypriot Innovation Landscape

Damianou said Cyprus ranks 25th in the Global Innovation Index and 15th in the StartupBlink Innovation Business Environment Index, while also ranking among the leading ecosystems in Southern Europe. The startup ecosystem recorded 28% growth over the past year, positioning Cyprus among the faster-growing markets in Europe.

Accelerating Market Readiness And Commercial Success

Seena Amidi, Managing Partner at Plug and Play Tech Center, said the platform supports startups in testing their products across different markets. He explained that the approach focuses on market validation and helping companies build commercial partnerships, allowing startups to adapt quickly to different market environments.

Positioning Cyprus As A Global Innovation Hub

Cyprus continues to expand its startup ecosystem, supported by both local and international entrepreneurial activity. Plug and Play Cyprus is expected to strengthen connections between startups and global investors, contributing to further development of the country’s innovation and investment environment.

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Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 18, 2026

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

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Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.