Cyprus Seeds is expanding its team to enhance support for EU-funded innovation projects aimed at advancing research commercialisation in Cyprus and beyond. The non-profit organisation, which has successfully operated an 18-month innovation grant programme for Cypriot researchers over the past seven years, is on the lookout for two new professionals to join its ranks.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Cyprus seeds: New Roles to Support Innovation Initiatives
The organisation currently employs three staff members but plans to grow this number to six. The new positions will include a Head of the Innovation Support Unit and an Innovation Project Officer, both of which are crucial for managing an expanding portfolio that now encompasses major European-funded projects.
Leadership Role in European Projects
For the Head of the Innovation Support Unit, Cyprus Seeds seeks an experienced professional for full-time employment. This individual will be responsible for managing and coordinating various European-funded projects in which Cyprus Seeds participates.
Among the key initiatives is PHAETHON, a Horizon Europe project aimed at transforming the FOSS Research Centre for Sustainable Energy at the University of Cyprus into a Centre of Excellence. Another significant project is DiGiNN, which serves as the national digital innovation hub.
The responsibilities for the Head of the Innovation Support Unit include:
- Leading Cyprus Seeds’ involvement in these significant projects.
- Coordinating deliverables and preparing reports for the European Commission and national authorities.
- Developing innovation management services.
- Establishing the PHAETHON Innovation Hub with support from Denmark’s DTU Skylab.
To be considered for this position, candidates must hold at least a master’s degree and have experience in Horizon Europe project coordination and proposal writing. Knowledge of research commercialisation and intellectual property is also essential, along with strong communication skills in English and a willingness to travel. Additional qualifications such as project management certification and experience in entrepreneurship or technology transfer will be viewed favourably.
Operational Support Role for Innovation Projects
In addition to the leadership role, Cyprus Seeds is also hiring an Innovation Project Officer. This position will provide vital operational support and assist in delivering the organisation’s objectives within the PHAETHON project.
The Innovation Project Officer will focus on supporting internal operations and coordinating activities related to the organisation’s European project portfolio, ensuring that initiatives run smoothly and efficiently.
Reflecting Growth in the Innovation Ecosystem
These new recruitments highlight Cyprus Seeds’ commitment to enhancing its presence in the innovation ecosystem. Over the past seven years, the organisation has played a pivotal role in supporting the commercialisation of academic research in Cyprus, funding a total of 24 scientific projects, which have resulted in the establishment of five spin-offs and two licensing agreements.
Cyprus Seeds provides a range of support services, including grants, mentoring, training, and networking opportunities. It has developed strong partnerships with a variety of international organisations, such as The MIT Deshpande Centre, The Hellenic Initiative, the egg accelerator, Conception X, and DTU’s Skylab.
Significant Contributions to Major Projects
As an innovation partner in the €45 million PHAETHON Centre of Excellence, Cyprus Seeds focuses on developing intelligent and sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the DiGiNN project, which serves as the national one-stop shop for digital transformation, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, high-performance computing, and digital skills.
Acknowledgement in the European Start-up Landscape
Recently, Cyprus Seeds gained recognition from the Financial Times as one of Europe’s Leading Start-up Hubs, ranking among 3,000 candidates across the continent for 2025. This accolade further underscores the organisation’s dedication to fostering innovation and supporting researchers.
Application Details for New Positions
Interested applicants for the new roles at Cyprus Seeds are encouraged to send their CVs by September 30, 2025, to [email protected]. The organisation offers an attractive salary, a thirteenth salary, hybrid work options, and opportunities to collaborate with universities, researchers, EU institutions, and international partners.
