Nicosia, Cyprus. The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) concluded the Future Founders Academy programme with a Demo Day event showcasing emerging entrepreneurial teams. The event connected participants with investors and representatives of the business community.
Demo Day event and participants
The Demo Day was held on March 21 at Inset and brought together investors and business community representatives, offering them the opportunity to engage directly with participants and their ideas. Participating teams presented concepts developed throughout the programme, highlighting creativity and entrepreneurial ambition.
Guidance from the local investment ecosystem
Participants received direct guidance from Kinisis Ventures, the Cyprus Business Angels Network, and representatives of 33EAST, which manages the Cyprus Equity Fund. The discussions provided insights into fundraising strategies and factors required for startup growth, helping teams refine their business approaches.
Programme timeline and training
The Demo Day followed the programme’s kick-off meeting held on January 17, 2026, and a series of online training seminars. The educational component was led by John Kymissis and Ivy Schultz from Columbia University.
Beneficiaries, feedback and support
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. They received feedback and mentorship from investors, programme trainers, and representatives of incubators and accelerators in Cyprus, and exchanged views with industry experts.
At the core of the initiative is financial support of €25,000 alongside specialised training to help participants transform early-stage ideas into viable business propositions.
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