Nicosia, Cyprus. More than 200 representatives from Cyprus’ research, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem gathered on Tuesday for The Bash 2026, the Research and Innovation Foundation’s (RIF) flagship annual networking event.
Held under the theme “Let’s Cheers to Innovation Together!”, the event brought together stakeholders involved in shaping Cyprus’ research, innovation and entrepreneurship landscape.
Networking and collaboration
The gathering provided startups, scaleups, innovative businesses, researchers, academics, investors, business support organisations, public sector representatives and policymakers with an opportunity to network, establish relationships and explore future collaborations.
Opening addresses
The event featured opening addresses by RIF board chairman and Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology Demetris Skourides, RIF director general Theodoros Loukaidis, and Konstantinos Kleovoulou, representing the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy.
The speakers highlighted the role of collaboration in strengthening Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem.
“Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem is growing, maturing and continuously delivering new success stories,” Skourides said.
“This is not happening by chance. It is the result of the collective effort and collaboration of everyone who is part of this community,” he added.
Skourides said the Research and Innovation Foundation and the Chief Scientist’s office remained committed to securing resources and creating conditions to further support the ecosystem.
“The Bash demonstrates that when the community comes together, new ideas emerge, new partnerships are formed, and the next success stories for Cyprus begin,” he said.
Innovation ecosystem
Loukaidis said Cyprus has developed a stronger and more mature innovation ecosystem, citing the country’s ranking of 39th globally in the StartupBlink Startup Ecosystem Index.