Cypriot startup Kyprium is on a mission to reshape the island’s recruitment landscape through the innovative use of artificial intelligence. Founder Michalis Senekkis believes Cyprus must transition from informal hiring practices to a more transparent and merit-based labour market.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
In an interview with the Cyprus Mail, Senekkis articulated the company’s vision, stating, “Kyprium is trying to make hiring in Cyprus more structured, transparent, and merit-based.” This platform, he claims, is the first of its kind in Cyprus, entirely built on AI, aiming to enhance recruitment efficiency for both employers and job seekers.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Cypriot labour: Challenging Traditional Hiring Practices
Cyprus has long relied on personal networks and informal recruitment channels. Kyprium seeks to disrupt this status quo by leveraging technology to provide tools that empower candidates and streamline the hiring process for employers. Senekkis emphasises that the goal isn’t to replace human judgement but rather to enhance the quality and speed of recruitment.
Emphasising Salary Transparency
A core aspect of Kyprium’s strategy is addressing the issue of salary transparency, which Senekkis identifies as a critical weakness in the Cypriot labour market. Currently, many job seekers apply for positions without knowing whether the salary meets their expectations. Employers, on the other hand, often lose out on strong candidates due to unclear or uncompetitive compensation details. Senekkis asserts, “The lack of transparent salary data is one of the biggest frictions in the Cypriot labour market.”
By actively encouraging employers to include salary ranges in job listings, Kyprium aims to attract more relevant applicants and enhance the overall recruitment quality. Senekkis notes, “More transparency helps candidates make better decisions and helps employers build trust earlier in the process.”
Adapting to New Regulations
As Cyprus prepares to implement new European Union pay transparency rules, Senekkis points out that some local companies are already adapting to these changes, while others are still adjusting. Kyprium has designed its platform to facilitate this shift by clearly highlighting salary information and using verified employer badges to foster trust between candidates and employers.
According to Senekkis, businesses that embrace transparency early will be better positioned as labour market standards evolve. He observes a growing competition for skilled workers in sectors such as technology, finance, compliance, and banking, where good talent is highly sought after. “In a small market like Cyprus, good talent moves quickly,” he remarks.
Understanding Job Seekers’ Needs
Today’s candidates are not just evaluating opportunities based on salary; they are also considering career progression, flexibility, and the overall employment package. Senekkis highlights that job seekers desire greater visibility before applying, compelling employers to respond with clearer and more realistic offers. This shift towards transparency is expected to create stronger matches and save time for both parties.
Positioning Cyprus as a Technology Hub
Senekkis also discusses Cyprus’ ambition to establish itself as a regional technology and innovation hub, which heavily relies on access to talent. He insists that merely having favourable regulations, tax incentives, and infrastructure is insufficient. “For Cyprus to strengthen its position as a regional technology and innovation hub, it needs a labour market that is accessible, transparent, and competitive for both local and international talent,” he states.
Enhancing Multilingual Accessibility
Another noteworthy feature of Kyprium’s platform is its automatic multilingual translation system, which caters to the island’s diverse, international workforce. By translating job listings into Greek and Russian, Kyprium significantly improves accessibility for local and foreign candidates. Senekkis notes, “It is a practical improvement that increases reach and improves the candidate experience.”
Positive Reception on the Global Stage
Senekkis recently represented Cyprus at the Slush 2025 event in Helsinki, supported by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF). He described the experience as a positive exposure for the Cypriot technology ecosystem. “The international reaction was very positive,” he shared, highlighting that Cyprus is increasingly seen as a burgeoning innovation hub capable of nurturing globally minded founders and startups.
In a competitive European market, Senekkis asserts that Cyprus does not need to compete on size but rather on speed, quality, and focus. By improving hiring conditions and helping startups scale internationally, he believes Cyprus can strengthen its position within the wider European technology sector.
