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IEF Overview
The Centre for Entrepreneurship (C4E) at the University of Cyprus, in collaboration with PwC Cyprus, hosts the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum, a recurring event designed to foster dialogue and cooperation between academics, industry professionals, policy-makers, and entrepreneurs. The forum serves as a vibrant platform to discuss the journey from research to business innovation, touching upon current debates and future trends. It aims to highlight promising research findings that could have commercial or societal impact.
As a special feature, each forum includes a Research Results Exhibition organized by the University of Cyprus' Research and Innovation Support Service. This exhibition aims to pool multidisciplinary expertise from a range of sectors, including academic researchers, professionals, and business leaders. The goal is to foster synergies that can lead to new research opportunities, economic development, and technological innovation.
IEF Objectives
Explore current discussions and future trends shaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cyprus and beyond.
01
Research to Entrepreneurship: Navigating the Pathway
Tap into a vibrant regional ecosystem, where academic rigor meets professional expertise, all committed to fostering social, economic, and environmental progress.
02
Networking Opportunities
Announcement of the winners of the Cyprus Entrepreneurship Competition 2025 for both Accelerator and Launchpad.
03
Cyprus Entrepreneurship Competition Winners Award Ceremony
Discover innovative research from the University of Cyprus and explore its potential to address real-world challenges, create business opportunities, and drive societal progress.
04
2026 Research Exhibition
01.
The PwC Distinguished Lecture
Fueling the Future: How Finance Drives Entrepreneurship and Innovation, with keynote speaker Eleni Vrettou, CEO of CrediaBank.
02.
Panel Discussion
A dynamic panel discussion featuring industry experts to delve deeper into key topics and share valuable insights.
03.
CyEC 2026 Winners Awards
Awards will be presented to the winners of the CyEC 2026 Accelerator and Launchpad tracks by the Minister of Commerce and Energy of Cyprus.
04.
Research Exhibition
A showcase of innovative research from the University of Cyprus, highlighting its potential to address real-world challenges, create business opportunities, and benefit society.
The Forum Structure
Keynote Speakers
FEATURED EXPERTS
Research Director at Athena Research Center
Kostas Daniilidis
Distinguished Lecturer
Professor Kostas Daniilidis is an internationally renowned scientist and researcher in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Computer Vision. He is a Professor of Computer and Information Science at the University of Pennsylvania and Research Director at the Athena Research Center in Greece.
His research focuses on robotic perception, autonomous systems, machine learning, and 3D computer vision, with particular emphasis on enabling intelligent machines to perceive, understand, and interact with their environments. His work bridges fundamental scientific research and emerging technological applications, contributing to advances in intelligent robotics and AI-driven innovation.
He is an IEEE Fellow and has previously served as Director of the University of Pennsylvania’s prestigious GRASP Robotics Laboratory. His scientific contributions have earned international recognition, including the Best Conference Paper Award at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation in 2017.
Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy
Nicodemos Damianou
Keynote Speaker
Mr Nicodemos Damianou was born in Lefkosia in 1973. He holds a Sc.B Degree in Computer Science from Brown University USA, a Ph.D in Computer Security & Policy-based Management of enterprise-wide Computer Networks from Imperial College UK, a Diploma of Information Security from Imperial College, and an MBA from the University of Cyprus.
He is an IT and Information Security professional with many years of experience in Payment Systems and Fintech, Risk Management Methodologies and Digital Transformation Technologies.
He served at managerial positions within the Bank of Cyprus Group. From November 2017 to January 2024 he was the General Manager of JCC Payment Systems Ltd.
He is married to Rodoula Damianou and has two daughters, Eleni and Sophia.
The Panel
FEATURED EXPERTS
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Agenda
Dec 2nd 2026
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Opening remarks, Professor Christos Nicolaides - C4E Director
Time: TBA
Welcoming Note, Professor Marina Neophytou – Rector of the University of Cyprus
Time: TBA
Welcoming Note, Andreas J Yiasemides – CEO & Chairman at PwC Cyprus
Time: TBA
Keynote speech, Dr. Nicodemos Damianou – Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy
Time: TBA
The PwC Distinguished Lecture by Kostas Daniilidis – Research Director at Athena Research Center
Time: TBA
Q&A
Time: TBA
Panel Discussion
Time: TBA
CyEC 2026 – Award Ceremony – Mr Michael Damianos, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry
Time: TBA
Networking Lunch
The Venue
University Avenue 1, CY 2109, Nicosia
Auditorium B108
Anastasios Leventis Council & Senate Building
University of Cyprus
Strategic Partner
Organizers
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