Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides recently conducted a second visit to the German Oncology Center to review the status of Agora 3.0, a strategic infrastructure project awarded by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF).
During the visit, Skourides was hosted by Professor Constantinos Zamboglou, Medical Director of the German Medical Institute (GMI) and lead of the project.
"The Agora 3.0 project is a flagship initiative for digital transformation, positioning GMI at the forefront of healthcare innovation in Cyprus and beyond," RIF said in a press release.
Professor Zamboglou shared that GMI aspires to become the first fully digitalised hospital in Cyprus, integrating advanced health IT infrastructure to streamline patient care and research. Alongside this transformation, GMI has also created new roles and positions by establishing a dedicated AI Department, becoming Cyprus’s first centre for testing, developing, and using AI for diagnosis. He thanked the Research and Innovation Foundation for its support and the opportunity to advance this vision.
Professor Zamboglou continued by noting that the German Institute has invested in an AI-ready supercomputer, ensuring that all medical data remains securely stored on-site. In parallel, GMI confirmed its focus on innovation, sharing that it is conducting a pilot collaboration with Aria Health to introduce a mobile health application for patients, enhancing communication, access to medical information, and personalised healthcare management.
With these foundations in place, Professor Zamboglou said that his focus is now on commercialisation: “Agora 3.0 is now entering its next phase — becoming an AI Testing and Validation Hub. This unique platform will provide a secure, real-world environment for the testing of novel AI-powered medical devices and tools, giving Cypriot patients early access to cutting-edge technologies. The hub will also serve as a gateway for international AI companies seeking entry into the EU market via Cyprus, offering regulatory support, including pathways toward CE certification.”
To further strengthen this vision, Agora 3.0 has already launched its first spin-off company — GMIC — which has established successful collaborations with partners in Bulgaria, Serbia, Germany, and the USA, including renowned institutions such as Stanford University.
As part of its global expansion strategy, and its internationalisation effort to establish Cyprus as a research, innovation, and technology hub, Professor Zamboglou will travel to India during the week of September 16–19, where the Cypriot delegation will participate in the ICC Global Business Summit alongside the Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, and Chairman of the Research and Innovation Foundation, Skourides. The German Oncology Center and the German Medical Institute intend to sign Memoranda of Understanding with ARIA Matrix, an Indian AI start-up, and the prestigious Tata Memorial Cancer Centre which will be witnessed by Chief Scientist Skourides.
Professor Zamboglou highlighted that this step is of strategic importance as it is the first step in building a presence in the Indian healthcare innovation market, as well as a partnership with one of the world’s elite cancer research organisations also leveraging AI as a diagnostic tool. This initiative reflects the strong ties between Cyprus and India, underpinned by the commitment of both governments to foster collaborative research and development.
Demetris Skourides added: “It is inspiring to see the progress of the work being done by the German Medical Institute on the Agora 3.0 project, leveraging AI in health diagnostics. The focus on commercialisation is a game-changer for the Cypriot economy, creating new jobs, opportunities, and, above all, the conditions for improved healthcare for all Cypriots. As Chairman of the Board of Directors of RIF, I can only add that we are excited with the outcome of this project, and we encourage innovators across Cyprus to engage with the Research and Innovation Foundation and its funding tools as they pursue adjacent or transformational innovation and new product development. Commercialisation is an enabler for growth, and a driver of great innovations.”
Skourides concluded: “This strategic partnership between the German Medical Institute and Tata Memorial Hospital, happening within just three months since the meeting of President Nicos Christodoulides and H.E. Prime Minister Modi, reaffirms the strong intent of both Cyprus and India to further develop cooperation in the fields of research, technology, and innovation.”
What is Agora 3.0?
Agora 3.0 is a strategic innovation initiative at the German Medical Institute, Cyprus, aimed at advancing digital transformation, AI integration, and international cooperation in healthcare. By combining state-of-the-art infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and patient-centred innovation, Agora 3.0 is shaping the future of medicine in Cyprus and contributing to the global health tech ecosystem.
