Cyprus has been added to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) global network.
This addition positions Cyprus on the MIT map alongside select global destinations, marking an important moment for the island's STEM education landscape and rapidly growing technology ecosystem.
In January 2026, MIT's MISTI Global Teaching Labs program will arrive in Cyprus for the very first time —bringing world-class STEM education to an island where ancient culture meets a booming tech ecosystem.
Over three weeks, in three cities, across three Universities and school, MIT students will join forces with top Cypriot university students to deliver a hands-on robotics and STEM curriculum to talented high schoolers and first-year university students.
This program will bridge borders, empower youth, and create an educational legacy that connects Cyprus to MIT's global innovation network.
Three-week, multi-city initiative
In January 2026, current MIT students will travel to Cyprus to deliver the Global Teaching Labs program across multiple cities and educational institutions:
Neapolis University (Paphos): January 5-9, 2026 - program preparation, is a leading private university in Cyprus, known for innovation and launching the country’s first AI program powered by JetBrains
Lumio Private School (Paphos): January 12-16, 2026 - Cyprus's first progressive school with a strong STEM focus
University of Cyprus (Nicosia): January 19-23, 2026 - Leading research and academic institution
Cyprus University of Technology (Limassol): January 26-30, 2026 - Applied sciences and entrepreneurship hub
Program focus: Robotics & engineering innovation
- Curriculum: MIT students co-design hands-on robotics curriculum
- Co-Instructors: Senior Cypriot university students (two per location)
- Student Teams: 12 high school students per city (36 total) + first-year university students
- Demo Days: Weekly presentations of functioning robotic prototypes
The goal is to excite and inspire students to become interested in robotics. Much of the teaching material is hands-on exercises and demonstrations. Courses are designed to highlight MIT's hands-on approach to education. This model not only inspires young talent but also transfers knowledge to local educators and co-instructors, creating a legacy of expertise in Cyprus.
"As someone who has worked with MIT for years through JetBrains, organising MISTI programs in different countries, I am both proud and thrilled to see Cyprus take this giant leap forward. This is Cyprus's moment to shine on the global stage. The island becomes a partner in shaping the future of technology and education," said Kirill Krinkin, JetBrains.
Opportunity for Cypriot youth
The program will select up to 36 high school students (12 per city) aged 15-18 from both public and private institutions, plus first-year university students, through a competitive application process. This free STEM/Robotics program is available to anyone who successfully passes the application process. Cypriot students will gain first-hand exposure to MIT's Mens et Manus ('Mind and Hand') culture, along with fresh materials and new perspectives.
Application process for students (ages 15-18):
- Open to ALL teenagers who successfully pass the application process
- Online application form submission• Competitive interview process
- Selection based on STEM aptitude and enthusiasm for innovation
- The program is completely FREE.
Strategic partnerships driving success
The program represents a collaboration between international technology leaders and Cyprus' premier educational institutions. Key organisational partners include:
Legacy Partners: Exness - Leading online multi-asset broker
Catalyst Partners: Space 307 - International FinTech company • Mellow - A global Contractor-of-Record platform that helps businesses manage and pay freelancers in 100+ countries
Organiser: KidIT Cyprus - Family tech-education innovator
Supported by: JetBrains - Global software development leader
Under the Auspices: TechIsland - Industry enabler connecting to 350+companies • Cyprus Computer Society - Professional, scientific non-profit organisation promoting the IT sector in Cyprus since 1984
“We're excited to help bring the MIT Global Teaching Labs to Cyprus. Offering STEM lessons taught by MIT students is a fantastic initiative that perfectly complements our existing Exness Fintech Scholarships. Local tech talent is essential to Cyprus' success as a growing technology hub, and we're committed to doing our part to support and promote it." – Martin Thorvaldsson, Community Director, Exness
Why Cyprus? Why now?
Cyprus' growing technology ecosystem creates an excellent environment for the Global Teaching Labs program:
Booming Tech Sector: Rapid IT industry growth with multinational firms establishing regional headquarters
Strategic Location: Unique position bridging Europe, Asia, and Africa with excellent infrastructure
Safety and Stability: Recognised as a "Green Zone" country with full cultural openness and political stability
Untapped Talent: Highly motivated student population eager for mentorship and real-world STEM applications
Application information and next steps
Student applications will open in October 2025, with selections finalized by December 2025. The competitive process includes online applications followed by test task and personal interviews designed to identify students with strong STEM aptitude, creativity, and enthusiasm for collaborative learning. All instruction will be conducted in English, and applicants should have intermediate English proficiency.
Interested students should prepare by strengthening their mathematics and science foundations, prior programming or robotics experience will be a plus. The program particularly values curiosity, problem-solving ability, and willingness to engage in intensive collaborative learning.
