RIF Unveils €16.2 Million Support for Cyprus’ Startups and Established Enterprises

by News Editor

May 22, 2025

RIF Unveils €16.2 Million Support for Cyprus’ Innovators

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has announced substantial funding of €16.2 million aimed at propelling Cyprus’s established and emerging businesses into the competitive global market. This funding initiative, targeting both seasoned enterprises and budding startups, is designed to cultivate the swift production of innovative products and services.

Upcoming Funding Calls

The funding will be distributed across three programs: INNOVATE and SEED, with a combined budget of €6.2 million, and the STEP programme, commanding a distinct budget of €10 million for expanding facilities and production lines. These programs collectively aim to supercharge competitive advantage on the international stage.

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Focus Areas and Participation

The INNOVATE program welcomes applications from companies in the pilot or market-testing stages, offering up to €1 million per project to enhance commercial production and worldwide distribution capabilities. Simultaneously, the SEED program directs its €3 million budget toward nurturing dynamic, startup ventures, each eligible for up to €500,000 to fast-track their competitive edge internationally.

A notable requirement for INNOVATE program applicants includes submitting audited financial statements and employer obligation documents from the Social Insurance Services.

STEP Program: Shaping Cyprus’ Innovation Future

The STEP program aligns with EU regulations, supporting Cyprus enterprises in developing advanced technologies, efficient green technologies, and biotechnologies. This initiative is anticipated to broaden Cyprus’s production infrastructure significantly.

Getting Ready

Potential participants should promptly prepare their proposals and gather necessary documentation to ensure their submissions upon the open call. Discover how enterprises are leveraging AI innovations to enhance their competitive stance.

Funded by the Republic of Cyprus and the European Regional Development Fund under Thalia 2021–2027, these initiatives promise a well-rounded boost to local innovation.

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Evel Elects New President As Maria Theocharous Takes Over For 2026–2029 Term

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 12, 2026

Maria Theocharous has been elected president of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), taking over from Yiannis Tsouloftas for a three-year term covering 2026–2029. Theocharous previously served as the chamber’s vice-president for tourism.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for one of Cyprus’ main regional business organisations, with the new board set to represent the district’s key economic sectors.

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New Leadership Emphasises Cooperation

The chamber’s annual meeting brought together government, business and local authority representatives, including Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michael Damianos, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou, Limassol district local government organisation president Yiannis Tsouloftas and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis.

Speakers highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between public authorities and businesses in supporting Limassol’s economic development.

Representatives of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) also congratulated Theocharous on her election and thanked the outgoing president for his cooperation. The CSC described Evel as a longstanding partner, noting the chamber’s contribution to Limassol’s business development over more than six decades.

Tsouloftas Reviews Six Years As President

In his final address, Tsouloftas reviewed the chamber’s work between 2020 and 2026, highlighting its advocacy for major infrastructure projects and efforts to address development challenges across the district.

He also outlined initiatives to remove obstacles facing local businesses, accelerate development plans and improve the conditions for economic activity.

Tsouloftas will remain involved as immediate past president, providing continuity during the transition.

New Board Covers Key Business Sectors

The new board includes representatives responsible for the chamber’s main portfolios:

Ilikos Charalambous, vice-president for commerce
Vasos Demetriades, vice-president for industry
Christos Nicolaou, vice-president for services
Nicolas Agiomamitis, vice-president for tourism
Ilias Theodorou, vice-president for finance
Demosthenes Mavrellis, vice-president for innovation and technology
Ilias Neocleous, honorary secretary

Other board members are Minos Agathocleous, Marios Antoniou, George Demetriou, Anastasios Kounoudis, Marios Constantinou, Xanthos Nemptsas, Antonis Pappas, Charalambos Pattichis, Chrysis Petousis, Farah Shammas, Andreas Tsouloftas and Kyriacos Hadjiathanasiou.

Costas Ioannides, Agathi Katsi, Anna Petraki, Filippos Filis and Tonis Hadjiloucas have been appointed members by distinction. The chamber also highlighted the growing participation of women in business leadership and decision-making.

Chamber Recognises Longstanding Contributions

The annual meeting also recognised businesses and individuals for their contributions, including members who have maintained continuous membership for 50 years.

Tributes were paid to three former contributors to the chamber, Tonis Antoniou, Dimi Mavropoulos and Andreas Laou, in recognition of their service.

Under Theocharous’ leadership, Evel begins its 2026–2029 term with a board covering commerce, industry, services, tourism, finance and innovation. Its priorities include continuing to represent Limassol businesses and advocating for the investment and cooperation needed to support the district’s economic growth.