Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Chief Scientist for Research and Innovation of the Republic of Cyprus and the IDEA Innovation Centre | 13 April 2021

The Chief Scientist for Research and Innovation of the Republic of Cyprus Dr. Nikolas Mastroyiannopoulos and the Chairman of the Board of Directors IDEA Innovation Centre, Dr. Charis Pouagare, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for matters of common interest in the presence of Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation & Digital Policy, Mr. Kyriakos Kokkinos and the Director of the IDEA Innovation Centre Ms. Angela Panayiotou.

The Memorandum of Understanding, institutionalises the existing close cooperation between the two parties and covers the organisation of activities of common interest such as joint events and other actions which will enhance the efforts to achieve the common goal of promoting Cyprus as a regional innovation centre, a bridge between Europe, Asia and Africa.

The Chief Scientist for Research and Innovation, Dr. Nikolas Mastroyiannopoulos welcomed the signing of the Memorandum and noted that the Memorandum strengthens the efforts to transform innovative ideas into sustainable business ideas, with a global perspective as well as to develop the innovative entrepreneurship in Cyprus.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the IDEA Innovation Centre Dr. Pougare, welcomed the signing of the Memorandum with the Chief Scientist and the continuing support of the Deputy Minister of Innovation, Research and Digital Policy.  Dr. Puagare stated that the IDEA Innovation Centre has supported so far 70 startups, gaining a leading role in Cyprus and it has been awarded, among 29 countries, by the European Commission.

Welcoming the signing of the Memorandum and the start of the 6th funding cycle of the IDEA Innovation Centre, the Deputy Minister of Research Innovation and Digital Policy Mr. Kokkinos stated that the investment in research and innovation is an investment for the future of Cyprus and Europe.  A green and digital future where innovative solutions address some of the greatest societal challenges. He  stated that important steps have already been taken during the last year for establishing the necessary structures and mechanism and also that the Government will continue to support research and innovation.