India and Cyprus urged to develop innovation cooperation roadmap

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus and India should establish a structured roadmap for cooperation in startups, research and technology, Indian High Commissioner Manish said, calling for bilateral interest to be converted into measurable partnerships.

In a post on his personal online platform, Manish said he presented his views on the future of India-Cyprus innovation cooperation to members of KPMG Cyprus and Plug and Play Cyprus.

From interest to implementation

Manish said the opportunity for cooperation was no longer theoretical, citing India’s development of one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems and Cyprus’ potential role as a platform for Indian companies seeking European Union access, regulatory positioning, financial services and international cooperation.

“The real question is how we move from interest to implementation,” he said.

According to Manish, current bilateral relations provide an opportunity to create more structured and lasting links between the innovation ecosystems of the two countries.

Areas for cooperation

Priorities discussed included institutional partnerships, startup acceleration programmes and support for companies seeking access to each other’s markets.

The discussion also addressed joint research in artificial intelligence, deep technology, semiconductors, climate technology and digital innovation.

Manish said closer cooperation among universities, incubators and industry could link academic research with commercial opportunities. Venture capital and co-investment connections could also help startups secure financing and expand internationally.

Dual-hub proposal

Manish proposed a Cyprus-GIFT City dual-hub strategy aimed at connecting Indian innovation with European markets through Cyprus.