The Kick-Off event of EIT Community RIS HUB in Cyprus, is set to enhance the Cyprus innovation ecosystem. Scheduled for June 18, 2024, from 13:30 to 18:30 at the CYENS Centre of Excellence in Nicosia, this event promises to raise the awareness of university students, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, policy makers, and government officials regarding the many EIT innovation initiatives that they can take advantage of. The Kick-Off will feature representatives from all EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), who will outline and present their initiatives and the numerous opportunities they offer. Additionally, local policymakers, government officials, leading researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs will provide an overview of the current state of our local ecosystem. This combination will enable all attendees to understand how EIT can fit into the status quo and ultimately uplift our research, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Supporting the Cyprus Innovation Ecosystem The Cyprus Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (RIE) ecosystem is experiencing significant growth, supported by strategic governmental initiatives, active academic institutions, and a dynamic private sector. The National Strategy Framework for Research and Innovation (2019-2023) and the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy have been central to creating a conducive regulatory environment and increasing funding for R&D activities. However, the ecosystem faces challenges such as a limited domestic market and difficulties in securing funding specifically investments for new ventures. Despite these hurdles, Cyprus leverages its strategic location, skilled workforce, and favourable business environment to drive innovation. Substantial EU funding through programs like Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, alongside national funding and incentives, offers significant opportunities for growth and collaboration. About the EIT Community RIS Hub Cyprus The EIT Community RIS Hub in Cyprus is dedicated to further enhancing the innovation divide and significantly enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the island. By connecting local actors to the extensive EIT pan-European ecosystem, the hub fosters sustainable growth through specially tailored RIS activities. The hub’s establishment at the CYENS Centre of Excellence, located centrally in Nicosia, symbolizes the unity and collaborative spirit of the city, strategically positioning it to strengthen the local innovation ecosystem. This central point for innovation activities provides new opportunities for local innovators to engage in EIT Community activities, thereby contributing to the economic and social development of Cyprus. For more information: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eit-community-ris-hub-cyprus/ Check our website: https://eit-ris.eu/cyprus/ Contact:

• Dr. Styliani Petroudi (EIT Community Officer Cyprus)
• Dr. Alkis Nicolaides (Project Officer, CYENS)

Email: cyprus@eitcommunity.eu Phone: +357-22747575 / +357-22747561