A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) and the Cyprus Game Makers Association (CYGMA) laying the foundation for the development of joint actions in the fields of education, research, innovation and vocational training in the rapidly growing sector of digital games and virtual worlds.
The Memorandum was signed by the Rector of CUT Prof. Panagiotis Zafeiris, and the General Director of CYGMA, Andrey Ivashentsev, at the CUT campus on 26 Maym, a relevant press release said.
The collaboration aims to create a framework for connecting the academic community with the digital games industry, enhancing the exchange of knowledge and expertise, developing skills and promoting innovation. CUT is the founding academic institution of the CYGMA academic collaboration programme, contributing to the creation of a bridge of cooperation between universities and industry.
The Rector of the University of Cyprus, Prof. Panagiotis Zafeiris stated, “The collaboration with CYGMA strengthens the University’s strategy for the effective interconnection of education and research with the needs of society and the economy. The digital games and interactive media sector is a dynamic sector with significant growth and innovation prospects. Through this collaboration, we create new opportunities for our students, enhance the transfer of knowledge and expertise and contribute to the development of a modern ecosystem of creativity, technology and entrepreneurship in Cyprus.”
In a statement, CYGMA General Manager Andrey Ivashentsev said, “Cyprus already has a significant digital game development industry. What is needed now is a stable talent pool that will be formed through the cooperation of industry companies and universities. CUT is the founding academic institution of CYGMA’s academic collaboration programme, contributing to the creation of a bridge of cooperation between universities and industry. This agreement marks the beginning of this effort.”
According to the press releasse, the agreement provides, among other things, for the implementation of joint research programmes and applied research projects, the organisation of seminars and workshops, the participation of professionals in the sector in educational activities, as well as the development of internship and work experience opportunities for students of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training College.
Particular emphasis is placed on cutting-edge areas such as digital game design, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies, artificial intelligence for gaming applications, and other related areas linked to the modern interactive media ecosystem.
At the same time, the collaboration foresees the co-organisation of events, workshops and talent development initiatives, contributing to the further strengthening of the Cypriot digital game creation ecosystem and its connection to the international market.
On behalf of the University of Athens, the Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts, coordinated by Prof. Despina Michael-Grigoriou, will have a central role in the implementation of the collaboration's actions, utilizing its academic experience and research capabilities for the benefit of students, industry and society.
The agreement confirms the commitment of the two organisations to promote innovation, research and human resource development in one of the most dynamic sectors of the digital economy, the press release concluded.
