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The Cyprus Diaspora Forum will feature a dynamic lineup of specialised pitching events, showcasing innovative business ventures, investment opportunities, and pioneering start-ups. These sessions provide a platform to forge strategic partnerships and drive investment, contributing to Cyprus’s growing presence in the global economy.
In addition, the Forum will host exclusive workshops tailored for students, including high-impact networking masterclasses, entrepreneurship panels, and leadership development sessions. Led by industry experts, participants will gain invaluable insights into innovation, business expansion, and cultural heritage. Both the pitching events and workshops are designed to foster meaningful connections within the diaspora, empowering the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
7 MAY 2026 | 09:00 – 11:45
CONFERENCE ROOM A
Join us for a dynamic and engaging morning exploring why Cyprus is rapidly emerging as a leading centre for innovation, entrepreneurship, investment and global collaboration.
This RIF-powered session will bring together leading figures from research, technology, business and government to showcase Cyprus’ growing international profile and the opportunities being created across the island. Attendees will also discover how members of the Cypriot diaspora can connect with, support and benefit from Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem.
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The morning will begin with an inspiring keynote from Dr Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, who will outline Cyprus’ vision for the future and the country’s ambition to become a globally competitive innovation hub. The keynote will explore Cyprus’ place within the international innovation landscape, the Government’s strategy for research, technology and entrepreneurship, and the new opportunities emerging through Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation and other cutting-edge technologies. Attendees will also gain insight into the incentives and initiatives designed to attract investment, talent and collaboration—and why now is the right time for the diaspora to engage with Cyprus.
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A dedicated session from the Research and Innovation Foundation will provide an overview of the support available to businesses, start-ups, researchers and innovators. Attendees will learn about funding programmes, opportunities for collaboration between the diaspora and organisations in Cyprus, and real-life success stories from companies and projects already benefiting from this support.
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An interactive fireside chat featuring representatives from the Research and Innovation Foundation and Invest Cyprus will examine what makes Cyprus an increasingly attractive destination for investment. The discussion will highlight the incentives and frameworks available to international investors, how funding and investment tools can work together, and the practical ways in which members of the diaspora can establish, support or invest in businesses and projects in Cyprus.
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The session will also include a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring why Cyprus matters to the global Cypriot diaspora. Speakers will discuss the new opportunities Cyprus offers for innovation, collaboration and investment; how successful Cypriots abroad can reconnect and contribute; and the role of business, research and government in building stronger international links. Audience participation and questions will be encouraged throughout.
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The morning will conclude with a pitching session showcasing some of the most exciting companies and Centres of Excellence emerging from Cyprus. Attendees will hear directly from pioneering organisations about their technologies, ambitions and future plans, as well as the support, partnerships and investment they are seeking.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, researcher, business leader or member of the diaspora, this session offers a unique opportunity to discover why Cyprus is moving from emerging hub to global player.
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Audience: Tech Entrepreneurs, Startup Founders, Investors, Innovation Leaders, Corporate Strategists, Policymakers, Research & Innovation Professionals, Chambers of Commerce, Tech Ecosystem Advisors, and International Business Leaders looking to establish or expand EU operations.
7 MAY 2026 | 11:00 – 11:15
CONFERENCE ROOM B
A special film presentation on The Summer Will Come—a story of migration, identity, and the cost of freedom, exploring how displacement reshapes not only one life, but generations.
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Logline: As Cyprus rises toward independence from the British in the 1950s, Evangelia flees with her children to London to rebuild her life—but as both she and her homeland claim their freedom, she is forced to confront the quiet, irreversible cost of displacement.
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Based on award-nominated novelist Soulla Christodoulou’s book, The Summer Will Come was selected as a Barnet Libraries Book Club Read during London’s Year of Learning Festival in 2019. The novel is currently under contract for Greek translation and is in development as a feature film, reflecting the author’s commitment to bringing Cyprus-centred stories to international audiences.
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This special presentation will be delivered by Ioanna Karavela, Producer, EP Pictures; Athena Mandis, Writer/Director of The Summer Will Come; and Soulla Christodoulou, author of The Summer Will Come.
7 MAY 2026 | 18:40 – 20:00
CONFERENCE ROOM A
Discover the innovation and creativity driving Cyprus' local businesses at an exclusive event hosted by the Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus, with the support of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with the local Chambers of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, and Pafos. Explore a handpicked selection of dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) showcasing groundbreaking products, services, and technologies. This unique event offers you the chance to connect with forward-thinking businesses eager to scale up and expand internationally. Unlike traditional pitching events, this one focuses on creating valuable partnerships through commercial agreements, outsourcing, and supplier collaborations. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness innovation in action and build connections that could redefine your business. Join us and be part of the growth story.
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The event is followed by a Wine and Cheese Reception
8 MAY 2026 | 14:30 – 15:40
CONFERENCE ROOM C
This fast-paced workshop equips final-year university students with the skills and confidence to step into the global job market. Led by industry experts and diaspora leaders, participants will learn how to build a standout personal brand, explore international career paths, and gain essential digital and AI skills. The session also covers entrepreneurship—validating ideas, understanding funding basics, and navigating Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem. A practical networking masterclass ensures students know how to make meaningful connections with mentors and peers.
Students will leave inspired, informed, and ready to thrive—armed with the tools, insights, and strategies to launch their careers, embrace opportunities worldwide, and stand out in an increasingly competitive and connected world.
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Meet representatives from Cypriots in the City – A non-profit network and platform for Cypriots in the UK working or studying in sectors such as financial services, law, accounting, and consulting. The organisation’s mission is to connect these professionals through networking, mentorship, and career development opportunities. By fostering a supportive community, Cypriots in the City helps members build meaningful relationships, share knowledge, and advance their careers.
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Limited Seats Available
8 MAY 2026 | 15:50 – 17:50
CONFERENCE ROOM C
Led by Antigoni Komodiki, CEO of Junior Achievement (JA) Cyprus and a member of JA Worldwide, ‘Shaping Tomorrow Together: Youth Meets Industry’ brings young talent and business professionals into a dynamic, interactive dialogue on the future of work, entrepreneurship and career readiness. Through guided roundtable discussions, participants will exchange perspectives, challenge assumptions and explore what success means in a rapidly evolving world.
This workshop offers a valuable opportunity for young people to gain real-world insights, practical advice and inspiration from experienced, internationally renowned and local professionals, while industry leaders can better understand the aspirations, concerns and potential of the next generation. Together, they will co-create ideas on how education, businesses and individuals can adapt to future challenges.
Attendees will benefit from meaningful networking, fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways on skills, opportunities and innovation. Whether you are a young person shaping your path or a professional seeking to give back and stay connected to emerging talent, this session promises engaging conversations that matter.
8 MAY 2026 | 17:30 – 19:00
CONFERENCE ROOM A
The Cyprus Diaspora Forum Startup Launchpad is a dynamic platform where five innovative startups showcase their initiatives in an engaging, fast-paced presentation. As Cyprus rapidly emerges as one of Europe’s most attractive hubs for entrepreneurs and innovation-driven enterprises, this session offers a unique opportunity to explore groundbreaking ideas and connect with the people and organisations shaping the country’s vibrant startup ecosystem.
Attendees will discover a range of distinctive initiatives seeking investor support, while also gaining insights into the organisations that can help bring a business to life—from incorporation and legal structuring to intellectual property protection, funding, and immigration, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on what truly matters: building their companies, cultivating their brands, and driving growth.
From the first spark of an idea to full-fledged business operations, the Cyprus Diaspora Forum Startup Launchpad demonstrates the island’s commitment to supporting startups at every stage of their journey, making it a must-attend event for innovators, investors, and ecosystem enablers alike.