The Chief Scientist and the RIF bring startups together
Press Release
The Chief Scientist and the RIF bring startups together
More than 30 innovative enterprises and startups of the Cypriot Research and Innovation ecosystem took part in the first “The Bash!: The Startup Community Networking Event”
Stakeholders of the Cyprus Research and Innovation (R&I) ecosystem had the opportunity to exchange views, present their innovative ideas, network and discuss potential collaborations during an event organised by the Chief Scientist for Research and Innovation of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr. Nikolas Mastroyiannopoulos and the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF).
More than 30 Cypriot startups and innovative enterprises took part in the first “The Bash!: The Startup Community Networking Event”, which was held in Limassol on Monday, July 12th. These were enterprises that managed to secure €20.7 million in funding following a highly competitive evaluation process, through the RIF’s Innovation Programmes “PRE-SEED”, “SEED” and “INNOVATE”, with a view to create and develop new products and services with global market penetration prospects. Both the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Kyriakos Kokkinos, as well as the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Vasilis Demetriades, were also present at the event.
In his welcome address, the Chief Scientist explained that the creation of a dynamic community of startups and innovative businesses is a key priority both for him and the RIF. “Today”, he noted, “a time when investing in innovation and technology is more essential than ever, the significant number of Cypriot enterprises innovating and excelling both locally and internationally, demonstrates the great potential of our country”. “To this end”, he noted, “developing collaborations between startups, the industry and the research community is crucial for the productive transformation of the Cyprus economy. Our goal is to make Cyprus more competitive on a global level”.
Dr. Mastroyiannopoulos also went on to say that the immediate positive impact of RIF’s Innovation Programmes on the Cyprus economy, indicates the multiple benefits stemming from a strengthened R&I sector. A total of 85 innovative companies and startups have secured funding, contributing to the creation of 188 new jobs.
During the event, there was a pitch karaoke session as well as speed networking between participants. At the same time, a number of startup founders shared their own experiences, attracting great interest from the participants.
“The Bash!: The Startup Community Networking Event” was organised as part of the Innovation Factory – an initiative under the auspices of the Chief Scientist for Research and Innovation of the Republic of Cyprus that aims to provide high-quality services to startups – as well as the Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus (EEN Cyprus). “The Bash” aims to bring startups of the Cypriot R&I ecosystem together in order to encourage an exchange of views and ideas, allowing them to share their experiences and identify opportunities for collaboration.
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Chief Scientist
The Chief Scientist coordinates and supervises the formulation of the national R&I policy and the overall operation of the National R&I Governance System, including the Departments and Bodies involved in both the political and operational levels. In addition, the Chief Scientist participates as ex-officio member and supports the work of National Board of Research and Innovation (NBRI) to formulate proposals for the national R&I Strategy and its implementation and proposals regarding the structure and operation of the national R&I governance system. The Chief Scientist is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Research and Innovation Foundation. The Chief Scientist is appointed by the President of the Republic of Cyprus.
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Research and Innovation Foundation
The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) is the national authority in charge of supporting and promoting research, technological development and innovation in Cyprus. The RIF’s mission is pursued through the design and monitoring of funding programmes for research and innovation actions, in combination with the support of the integration of Cypriot researchers in research activities at a European and international level.