State Grant Fuels Cyprus Innovation Hub Ambitions

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 20, 2026

State Support Strengthens Cyprus Innovation Ambitions

State Aid Commissioner Stella Michaelidou has approved a government grant for the Plug and Play Cyprus Innovation Centre, supporting Cyprus’ ambition to position itself as an innovation hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. Funding will cover operational needs and strategic initiatives, reinforcing the development of the local startup ecosystem.

Robust Funding Framework

Approved support is structured to cover a wide range of costs, including staff salaries, administrative expenses, promotional activities, and specialised services. An agreement signed between the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) and Plug and Play Cyprus also enables access to expert consulting and mentorship, strengthening the centre’s operational capacity.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Sustainable Operational Support

Additional funding will support facility management and the organisation of training programmes, workshops, and industry events. These initiatives are expected to enhance knowledge exchange, expand professional networks, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the innovation ecosystem.

Strategic Vision For Eastern Mediterranean Innovation

Grant aligns with broader national priorities aimed at strengthening Cyprus’ role in technology and business innovation. Focus remains on three core pillars: business acceleration, corporate innovation, and research collaboration. This approach is designed to support local startups while attracting international partners and expertise.

EU Regulatory Alignment

The measure is implemented under the European Union’s regulatory framework, specifically Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014, which defines state aid compatible with the internal market. Funding validity extends until December 31, 2026, ensuring compliance with EU economic policy standards.

Implementation And Next Steps

Plug and Play Cyprus, as the sole beneficiary, is expected to use the funding to expand services, strengthen operations, and deepen ecosystem integration. Decision Number 481 has been published in the Official Gazette of the Republic on April 17, 2026, confirming formal approval of the measure.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Only 1% Of Cyprus Farms Use Precision Farming Technologies

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 24, 2026

Cyprus remains one of the European Union’s least digitised agricultural economies, with just 1% of farms using precision farming technologies in 2023, according to Eurostat.

The findings come as the EU continues to encourage the adoption of digital tools aimed at improving agricultural productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Internet Access Expands, But Digital Uptake Lags

Internet access has improved across the bloc, although adoption remains uneven. Eurostat found that 43% of EU farms had internet access in 2023, with northern and central European countries leading the way.

Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Austria all reported internet access rates above 90%.

Greater connectivity, however, has not translated into widespread digital adoption. Farm management information systems, which help farmers manage day-to-day operations, were used by only about 11% of EU farms. France was a notable exception, with around 60% of farms using the technology.

Precision Farming Concentrated In Larger Operations

Robotics adoption also remained relatively limited, with only about 7% of EU farms using robotic technologies. Overall, around 18% of farms with utilised agricultural area employed at least one precision farming technology or practice in 2023.

These included robotics for plant protection, band spraying, variable-rate application, precision crop monitoring and soil analysis. Despite representing fewer than one in five farms, these holdings accounted for around 44% of the EU’s utilised agricultural area.

The figures suggest that precision farming remains concentrated among larger agricultural businesses, where investment in digital technologies is typically easier to support.

Cyprus Lags Behind EU Leaders

Luxembourg, Finland and Estonia recorded the highest shares of utilised agricultural area managed by farms using precision farming technologies, each exceeding 75%.

At the other end of the ranking, Cyprus recorded just 1%, while Greece and Romania reported between 10% and 15%. The results indicate that Cyprus remains at an early stage of digital adoption in agriculture, even as precision farming becomes more widespread across parts of the European Union.

Breaking news