The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) concluded the Future Founders Academy programme with a Demo Day event in Nicosia, showcasing the creativity and potential of emerging entrepreneurial teams.

The event, held on March 21 at Inset, brought together investors and representatives of the business community, offering them the opportunity to engage directly with participants and their innovative ideas.

The participating teams stood out for their strong creative spirit and entrepreneurial ambition, presenting concepts developed throughout the programme.

During the event, participants also received direct guidance from key players in the local investment ecosystem, including Kinisis Ventures, the Cyprus Business Angels Network and representatives of 33EAST, which manages the Cyprus Equity Fund.

These interactions provided valuable insights into fundraising strategies and the critical factors required for startup growth, helping teams refine their business approaches.

The Demo Day followed the kick-off meeting held on January 17, 2026, as well as a series of online training seminars delivered as part of the programme.

The educational component was led by John Kymissis and Ivy Schultz from Columbia University, who provided participants with specialised training.

A total of ten programme beneficiaries, all aspiring entrepreneurs within three years of completing their studies, presented their business ideas alongside their teams to an audience of investors.

Through this process, they received valuable feedback and mentorship from investors, programme trainers and representatives of incubators and accelerators in Cyprus, while also exchanging views with industry experts.

At the core of the initiative is the provision of financial support of €25,000 alongside specialised training, aimed at helping participants transform early-stage ideas into viable business propositions.

The programme acts as a bridge between innovation and entrepreneurial action, enabling participants to test different aspects of their ideas in practice and explore alternative approaches.

It also equips them with essential skills required to develop and launch a startup, strengthening the broader innovation ecosystem in Cyprus.

“We are here to support those who pave new paths in research and innovative entrepreneurship, contributing to shaping a better future for all,” said Theodoros Loukaidis, Director General of the Research and Innovation Foundation.

“We place particular emphasis on the younger generation, as through programmes such as the Future Founders Academy, young people acquire the necessary tools and education to implement innovative ideas, stand out and create products with real market value,” he added.