More than 200 representatives from Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem gathered on Tuesday for The Bash 2026, the Research and Innovation Foundation’s (RIF) flagship annual networking event.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- More than 200 representatives from Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem gathered on Tuesday for The Bash 2026, the Research and Innovation Foundation’s (RIF) flagship annual networking event.
Innovation ecosystem: A Celebration of Innovation
This year’s event was organised under the theme “Let’s Cheers to Innovation Together!”, bringing together individuals from various sectors who are instrumental in shaping Cyprus’ future through research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Networking Opportunities for All
The gathering provided startups, scaleups, innovative businesses, researchers, academics, investors, business support organisations, public sector representatives, and policymakers with a platform to network, forge new relationships, and explore potential collaborations.
Speakers Highlighting Collaborative Efforts
The event featured opening addresses from prominent figures, including RIF board chairman and Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology, Demetris Skourides; RIF director general, Theodoros Loukaidis; and Konstantinos Kleovoulou, representing the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy.
The speakers emphasised the significance of collaboration in bolstering Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem. “Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem is growing, maturing, and continuously delivering new success stories,” Skourides remarked. He underscored that this progress results from the collective efforts of all community members.
“As the Research and Innovation Foundation, and personally in my capacity as Chief Scientist, we remain committed to securing the necessary resources and creating the right conditions to further strengthen and support our ecosystem,” Skourides added.
Progress and Rankings
Loukaidis pointed out that Cyprus is now ranked 39th globally in the StartupBlink Startup Ecosystem Index, indicating a stronger and more mature innovation landscape. “Today, Cyprus has a much stronger and more mature innovation ecosystem,” he stated, attributing this achievement to the collaborative efforts of startups, investors, incubators, and academic institutions.
“Together, we are building the foundations for even greater success,” he continued. Loukaidis expressed gratitude to attendees for their role in making The Bash a flagship event that fosters meaningful networking and collaboration.
Government Support for Innovation
Kleovoulou echoed the sentiments of his fellow speakers, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting the research and innovation sector. “Cyprus today has a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem that continues to grow and create new opportunities,” he declared. He assured attendees that the government remains dedicated to initiatives that enhance collaboration within the ecosystem.
Showcasing Achievements
The event not only focused on networking but also showcased the advancements Cyprus has made in research and innovation over recent years. It illustrated the importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors, universities, research organisations, and businesses.
RIF noted that the strong attendance and vibrant atmosphere confirmed that The Bash has established itself as the annual meeting point for Cyprus’ innovation community, fostering new synergies, meaningful collaborations, and initiatives with long-term impact.
Innovation Factory Initiative
The Bash was organised under RIF’s Innovation Factory initiative and is part of the activities of the Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus. This reflects the ongoing efforts to support and strengthen the innovation ecosystem in Cyprus.
The event serves as a reminder of the vital role that collaboration plays in driving innovation forward. As stakeholders from various sectors come together, new ideas are born, and pathways are created for future success stories in Cyprus.
