AGP Executive Report

Fintech and Start-ups: Cyprus startups raised €112.8m across 28 deals in 2026, nearing last year’s total. At a Limassol summit, President Nikos Christodoulides said the country aims to attract fintech firms, while speakers called for faster regulation and less bureaucracy. Digital Skills: Kraken has awarded six University of Cyprus postgraduate scholarships in finance and data science. Connectivity: Cablenet is upgrading its network to expand gigabit broadband and improve reliability. Research: A Cyprus study found different patterns of childhood cancer in boys and girls. AI and Space: Cyprus is investing €6m in advanced AI and supercomputing resources and €13.5m to grow its role in the space economy. Art and Technology: Nicosia’s WIP Festival opens October 16, bringing more than 50 works exploring links between research, art, science and technology.

Health Research: A Cyprus study using 20 years of national data found a slight overall predominance of boys among children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer, with differences across age groups and cancer types. Broadband: Cablenet is upgrading its network with Harmonic’s virtualised platform to expand gigabit services and improve network operations. Space Technology: Cyprus and India discussed cooperation in space, defence and dual-use technologies, while Cyprus has also announced a €13.5 million investment to grow its role in the space economy. AI and Computing: A €6 million initiative will bring advanced AI and supercomputing resources to Cyprus.

Energy Technology: Cyprus has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia to deepen cooperation on renewables, clean hydrogen, energy efficiency and digital innovation. Space and Defence: Cyprus and India discussed partnerships in space, defence and dual-use technologies, while a €13.5m investment aims to grow Cyprus’s role in the space economy. AI and Research: A €6m initiative will give Cyprus access to advanced AI and supercomputing resources; the University of Nicosia also reports 25 academics among the world’s most-cited scientists. Digital Infrastructure: Cyprus has switched to a new digital television platform, and the country says it has completed the technical upgrades needed for Schengen readiness, including improvements to border systems and security databases.

Digital Broadcasting: Cyprus has switched to DVB-T2, replacing the old television platform with a more efficient network that supports HD and 4K services. AI and Computing: A €6 million initiative will give Cyprus access to advanced AI and supercomputing resources. Space Economy: Cyprus is investing €13.5 million to build a bigger role in the space sector. Smart Cities: Primetel has joined the Metacities research project, which explores digital technologies for urban services.

Digital TV: Cyprus has completed its switch to DVB-T2, replacing the Velister platform with a system offering more channel capacity and support for HD and 4K broadcasts. AI and Research: The PHAROS-CY AI initiative is opening access to specialist expertise, datasets and high-performance computing; the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics will lead work on responsible AI in healthcare. Space Ambitions: Cyprus plans to invest €13.5 million to expand its role in the space economy. Digital Heritage: Laser scanning has revealed hidden Bronze Age ship carvings at a temple complex in Cyprus, bringing new tools to archaeological research. Research Profile: The University of Cyprus says 25 of its academics are among the world’s most-cited scientists.

Digital Broadcasting: Cyprus has switched to DVB-T2, replacing the old television platform with a system offering more channel capacity and support for HD and 4K. AI and Research: A €6 million initiative is bringing advanced AI and supercomputing resources to Cyprus, with the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics leading work on responsible AI in healthcare. Space Economy: Cyprus is targeting a larger role in the space sector with a €13.5 million investment. Research Recognition: The University of Cyprus says 25 of its academics are among the world’s most-cited scientists.

AI and Health Research: A €6 million initiative will give Cypriot researchers, startups and public bodies access to advanced AI and supercomputing. The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics will lead work on responsible AI applications in healthcare. Space Technology: Cyprus has pledged €13.5 million to European Space Agency programmes for 2026–28, aiming to grow local space businesses and research as the country builds its role in the sector. Research Recognition: The University of Cyprus says 25 of its academics are among the world’s most-cited scientists, highlighting the island’s growing research profile. Digital Public Services: Cyprus is also pushing to make justice faster and more digital, part of a wider effort to modernise public services.

AI and Supercomputing: A €6 million initiative will expand access in Cyprus to advanced AI expertise, secure datasets and high-performance computing. The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics will lead health AI work, supporting responsible applications in research and healthcare. Police Technology: Cyprus Police’ Police 2030 plan includes upgraded IT systems, stronger cybersecurity, digital services and a new command and communications centre. Space Economy: Cyprus has committed €13.5 million to European Space Agency programmes for 2026–28, aiming to grow its space industry and help local businesses enter the sector. Research: The University of Nicosia says 25 academics feature in Stanford’s latest ranking of highly cited scientists, including 12 recognised for both career-long and 2025 research impact.

Space Economy: Cyprus has pledged €13.5 million to European Space Agency programmes for 2026–28, aiming to grow local space businesses and research. The country’s National Space Strategy and new licensing framework are intended to support that push. Research: The University of Nicosia says 25 academics have been named among the world’s most influential scientists in the latest Stanford-linked ranking. Digital Policing: A new Police 2030 plan sets out upgrades to IT systems, cybersecurity and digital services, alongside a command and communications centre. Blockchain Education: The Cardano Foundation is sponsoring 25 places in the University of Nicosia’s advanced blockchain course and will provide guest speakers. Business Technology: Cyta showcased technology solutions for businesses at Nicosia’s INSPIRE 2026 festival, where speakers discussed innovation and the role of digital tools in business growth.

Beekeeping Skills: Free EU-backed training for Cyprus beekeepers starts October 17, combining scientific guidance on bee health with practical advice on sustainable production and new business opportunities. Space & Technology: Cyprus’s research deputy minister and Cyprus Space Office joined an Athens symposium on space security, innovation and resilient communications. India Links: Cyprus and India discussed expanding technology cooperation and trade, with business delegations seen as a route to new partnerships. Digital Public Services: Cyprus is pushing to speed up and digitise justice, while Primetel has joined a research project on digital technologies for smart cities. Research & Innovation: The Research and Innovation Foundation is consulting on how Cyprus can build a higher-value economy and has joined international discussions on the future of research.

India-Cyprus Technology: Officials discussed expanding cooperation in technology, shipping and investment, with business delegations seen as a route to new partnerships. Space Sector: Cyprus’s research and digital policy deputy minister joined an Athens symposium on space security, investment and satellite infrastructure. Digital Justice: Cyprus is pressing ahead with reforms to speed up court proceedings and make better use of digital tools. Energy Infrastructure: The Kronos gas project is set to send Cypriot gas through Egypt’s processing and LNG facilities for export to Europe. Smart Cities: Primetel has joined the Metacities research project, which focuses on digital technologies for smarter urban services. Quantum Computing: A Limassol startup is working to make quantum computing useful for businesses.

Digital Justice: President Nikos Christodoulides says Cyprus must speed up court cases and make better use of digital tools, while protecting fair trials and judicial independence. Water Resilience: More than €200 million is planned for water and irrigation projects through 2030, including desalination, reduced network losses and greater use of reclaimed water as drought pressures farmers. Energy Technology: Cyprus’s first offshore gas exports are planned for 2028, with gas from the Kronos field piped to Egypt for liquefaction and shipment to Greece. Research and Innovation: Primetel has joined the Metacities project on digital technologies for smart cities, while the Research and Innovation Foundation is consulting on Cyprus’s innovation priorities. Science and Skills: A Cyprus forum will explore AI, technology and future skills; separately, the University of Cyprus has elected engineering dean Marina Neophytou as its first female rector. Investor Protection: CySEC is running a public education campaign on digital deception, with school and university sessions and new investor guides in development.

University Leadership: Marina Neophytou, dean of engineering, has been elected the University of Cyprus’s first female rector. Public Health: Cancer has overtaken cardiovascular disease as Cyprus’s leading cause of death for the first time in 30 years; experts say prevention funding lags the European average and call for healthier habits to start in childhood. Smart Cities: Primetel has joined the EU-backed Metacities project, connecting Cyprus, Greece and Bulgaria to develop digital twins, AI and data analytics for urban planning, mobility and energy management. Defence Innovation: Four Cypriot MEPs backed a €115 million EU programme to help small businesses develop emerging defence technologies. Water Resilience: Cyprus plans more than €200 million in water infrastructure upgrades by 2030, including desalination, reducing network losses and expanding the use of reclaimed water for irrigation.

Cyprus–Greece Innovation Push: Invest Cyprus is urging tighter investment and innovation links with Greece, spotlighting pharma and medtech and arguing cooperation can help smaller ecosystems scale and attract more international capital. Smart Cities Research: Primetel joins the Metacities Excellence Hub, a Cyprus-Greece-Bulgaria project using digital twins, AI and big data for smart mobility, urban planning and energy management. EU Defence Tech Funding: Four of six Cypriot MEPs backed an EU “Agile” programme allocating €115m for emerging and disruptive defence technologies, with fast-track grants and testing/certification access. AI for Business in Nicosia: A 19 October event at European University Cyprus will tackle practical “what AI can change” questions for founders and executives, with sessions from Grant Thornton Cyprus’s AI and Data Lab. Cyprus Job Market: Cystat reports registered unemployment rose 9.7% year-on-year in September, driven by public administration/defence and information & communication. Space Security in the EU: The EU approved a collective response framework for threats to satellites and related ground infrastructure, aiming to deter space attacks. Health Policy: Cyprus’ health minister stressed prevention for chronic disease, calling for earlier risk reduction, screening and coordinated action beyond healthcare alone.

Cyprus Tech & Policy: Cyprus is watching a privacy debate as Norway moves to temporarily restrict AI smart glasses in public spaces, with possible limits also in sensitive venues like healthcare and schools—an issue that matters for Cyprus as airports already use facial recognition and the aviation industry pushes for wider, voluntary biometric use. Local Economy & Jobs: Cyprus registered unemployment rose 9.7% year-on-year in September, with public administration and defence, information/communication, and support services driving the increase. Research & Innovation: The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) brought Cyprus to Japan’s Science and Technology in Society Forum, focusing on how AI is shaping research funding and proposal evaluation. Construction & Planning: Famagusta’s licensing body processed a record number of building and planning applications in September, while Cyprus construction permits also surged in June, signalling continued momentum in housing development. Health Policy: Cyprus’ health minister stressed prevention for chronic disease, calling for earlier risk reduction, screening, and coordinated action beyond the health system. Data Storage Deal: Spectra Logic partnered with Italy’s ICOS S.p.A. to expand access to data storage and sovereignty-focused solutions across channel partners. Maritime & Security: Greek-flagged and other tankers were hit in a spate of Hormuz attacks, underscoring ongoing risks for shipping routes. Energy Tech: US solar firms are racing to commercialise tandem panels that promise higher energy output, aiming to challenge China’s dominance.

Biometric travel debate: A new European aviation push argues Cyprus should be able to use biometric options at airports without losing passenger choice or privacy safeguards, as Larnaca and Paphos already use facial recognition at self-service kiosks. Construction momentum: Famagusta’s licensing body says building approvals surged in 2026, with September hitting a record for completed licensing applications, while Cystat reports June permits up sharply year-on-year. Marine monitoring: Satellite-based vessel detection counted 2,060 entries into Cyprus marine protected areas in 2024–2025, flagging a visibility gap versus AIS tracking and renewed risk to slow-growing seagrass. Privacy and wearables: Norway moves toward restricting AI smart glasses in public spaces over concerns about hidden recording—an issue Cyprus is watching closely. AI and science diplomacy: The Kyoto Vision for a “golden age of science” gained backing from the US and 16 nations, aiming to embed AI into research without binding commitments. Health regulation: Cyprus’ medical association meets the President and Health Minister to tighten controls on medical services, including unauthorised practice. Business shift: Commodities trader Gunvor rebrands as Centalion and plans to move its corporate headquarters from Cyprus to Singapore.