Open Calls

RIF Launches €1 Million Funding Initiative For International Startups

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Overview

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has unveiled its latest funding call, PRE-SEED/0526, under the “Creation And Initial Development Of Startups With International Orientation (PRE-SEED)” program. This initiative is engineered to empower emerging companies with the potential to scale globally, reinforcing Cyprus’ commitment to nurturing an advanced innovation ecosystem.

Funding Details

Allocated a total budget of €1 million, the call permits up to €119,999 in funding per project. This support is poised to help startups transition from initial concept to tangible development, setting the stage for impactful market entries on an international scale.

Submission Process

Applicants are required to submit their proposals through the IRIS portal by September 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Thorough preparation and adherence to the provided guidelines are essential to enhance the competitiveness of each submission.

Advancing Innovation

The initiative not only fuels the growth of individual startups but also bolsters the overall innovation framework within Cyprus. By supporting early-stage companies, RIF is creating a robust pipeline of enterprises capable of thriving in global markets.

Further Assistance

For additional information or support, interested parties can contact the RIF Partner Support Centre at 22205000 or via email at callsupport@research.org.cy.

Build With AI For Free, No Coding Required: Global Hackathon Opens Registration

by News Editor

Overview

Registration is open for the Elevate Women Global Hackathon 2026, a global online hackathon designed to help participants explore AI, build real products, learn modern tools and connect with like-minded people from around the world. The event is presented by Elevate Women and hosted online via Google Meet.

The hackathon is aimed at aspiring founders, designers, marketers, students, creators, freelancers, community builders and anyone curious about AI and building something new. No coding background is required to participate.

Benefits

The programme begins with a Learning Week from 14 to 18 September 2026, offering practical online workshops designed to help participants move from curiosity about AI to building with AI tools. Sessions will cover AI tools, bots and automations, vibe coding and no-code building, idea development, pitching and public speaking, founder mindset, startup building, networking and community building.

The main hackathon weekend will take place on 19–20 September 2026, when participants will build a real project individually or in teams. Projects may include AI-powered tools, mobile apps, websites, automations, community products, educational tools, creative experiments, social-impact ideas, or startup MVPs.

Participants will have access to mentors and community support, live check-ins, networking, team collaboration, and partner resources during the hackathon. Top projects will be invited to present during an online Demo Day on 25 September 2026. The organisers plan to award prizes to the Top 3 teams, with the prize pool and additional partner-supported rewards to be announced.

Who Can Apply

The hackathon is open to eligible individuals of all genders who are at least 18 years old at the time of registration. While Elevate Women is a women-led initiative focused on advancing women’s participation, leadership and opportunities in technology, the organisers state that eligibility, access, judging and awards are not restricted by sex or gender.

The event is particularly relevant for people interested in AI, startups, digital products and technology creation. Technical or coding experience is not required.

Criteria

The page does not list formal selection or judging criteria. Registration is marked as approval required, meaning requests to join are subject to host approval.

The emphasis is on experimentation, learning, creativity and building a working project, rather than entering with an already advanced technical product.

How To Apply

Interested participants must register through the event page. Registration is subject to host approval.

Key dates:

  • Learning Week: 14–18 September 2026
  • Main Hackathon Weekend: 19–20 September 2026
  • Demo Day & Awards: 25 September 2026

About Elevate Women

Elevate Women is an international women-led initiative that helps more women enter the world of AI, startups, digital products and technology creation. The initiative aims to create a supportive and practical environment where women can explore AI tools, learn practical skills, build projects, meet collaborators and future co-founders, and see technology as accessible, creative and human.

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