RIF opens applications for Cyprus startups to attend Slush 2026

Nicosia, Cyprus. The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) on Wednesday opened applications for up to 15 Cyprus startups to participate in Slush 2026, to be held in Helsinki on November 18 and 19.

The initiative aims to promote Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem and support local startups, particularly companies funded through RIF innovation programmes.

Participation support

RIF will cover the €395 entry ticket, including VAT, and provide a €300 subsidy per person towards participation costs.

Total support will be worth up to €695 per person. Participating companies will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.

For companies with ongoing RIF-funded projects, travel and accommodation expenses may be eligible under those projects if they are related to the funded work.

State aid conditions

The support will be provided as indirect state aid under the European Commission’s De Minimis Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2023/2831 of December 13, 2023, concerning the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to de minimis aid.

Applicants must submit a Single Undertaking Declaration as part of the application process.

Slush 2026

Slush 2026 is expected to bring together more than 6,000 startups and over 3,500 investors and businesses, offering participating companies opportunities for exposure, customer acquisition and networking.

RIF’s support for Cyprus’ participation is part of the activities of Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus, in which the foundation participates as a partner.