Cyprus’ next generation of roboticists showcased their talents at the Robotex MRC 2025 Awards Ceremony, held on October 15. Organised by the Cyprus Computer Society (CCS) and hosted by the Bank of Cyprus (BoC), the event recognised outstanding achievements in robotics among young innovators.
- Elli Ioannidou, the Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at BoC, announced the winners of the fun challenges, intensifying the sense of community and excitement within the venue.
- Corporate partners such as the Bank of Cyprus, XM, and Neapolis University Pafos played a significant role in supporting the event, reflecting a collaborative effort to promote robotics in education.
Robotex mrc: Gathering of Young Innovators and Supporters
The awards ceremony attracted over 400 attendees, including students, educators, and industry partners. The lively atmosphere featured activities such as an AI Photobooth, the JOEY Memory Game, and Rubik’s Cube contests, encouraging participants to engage and celebrate their shared passion for robotics.
Elli Ioannidou, the Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at BoC, announced the winners of the fun challenges, intensifying the sense of community and excitement within the venue.
Opening Remarks and Institutional Support
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Constantina Achilleos, president of the Youth Organisation, one of the co-organisers. Marilena Paraskeva, representing the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), also addressed the attendees, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to supporting technological advancement in Cyprus.
Both the RIF and the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy sponsored the event as diamond sponsors, showcasing their dedication to fostering youth innovation and advancing the island’s technological landscape.
Recognition of Volunteers and Mentors
As the ceremony progressed, attention turned to the Volunteer Award Ceremony, presented by Andreas Loutsios, president of CCS. This segment recognised the invaluable contributions of individuals who have supported the Robotex Cyprus initiative since its inception in 2017. Coaches, trainers, and educators were honoured for their dedication to nurturing the next generation of robotics enthusiasts.
Loutsios remarked, “Their collective efforts have been instrumental in shaping a strong and inclusive robotics community in Cyprus.” This recognition not only highlighted individual achievements but also reinforced the importance of collaboration in fostering creativity and innovation.
A Celebration of Talent and Achievement
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to approximately 180 students and adults who excelled in over 25 challenges during the national finals. The trophies, designed and produced by Robo, were awarded by representatives from various partner organisations, including the University of Cyprus, IET Cyprus, and the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth.
Corporate partners such as the Bank of Cyprus, XM, and Neapolis University Pafos played a significant role in supporting the event, reflecting a collaborative effort to promote robotics in education.
Scholarships and Future Opportunities
Winners in the high school category were awarded scholarships from prestigious private universities, including Neapolis University Pafos and the University of Nicosia. These scholarships not only recognised the students’ achievements but also paved the way for future academic opportunities in robotics and technology.
International Representation for Cyprus
Several of the winning teams will represent Cyprus on the international stage. In December, they will travel to Estonia to participate in Robotex International, while in April, the MRC winners will head to Crete for the MRC Global Olympiad. Their participation underscores Cyprus’ commitment to fostering talent and maintaining a robust presence in educational robotics.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Robotics in Cyprus
As the evening concluded, anticipation grew for the next Robotex MRC Cyprus, scheduled for the last weekend of June 2026. In the meantime, CCS will continue its busy calendar of national competitions, including the Bebras Challenge and the Informatics Olympiad. This year’s FIRST® LEGO® League will engage participants with the intriguing theme of archaeology.
Moreover, Cyprus is set to welcome participants from nine countries for the Junior Balkan Olympiad in Informatics (JBOI), further cementing the island’s role as a regional hub for technology and education.
