Invest Cyprus hosts startups from DCO member states, expanding international collaboration prospects

As part of its mission to position Cyprus as a dynamic hub for innovation and investment, Invest Cyprus recently co-organised a two-day side event in collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO).

The event focused on key issues related to the development of innovation ecosystems and the support of startups on both local and international levels.

The cooperation between Cyprus and the DCO highlights the country’s strategic alignment with leading innovation economies in the Middle East. It reflects a shared commitment to promoting inclusive digital growth, enhancing cross-border mobility for startups, and building interconnected ecosystems across the broader region. Through this collaboration, Cyprus and the DCO aim to bridge regional innovation with global markets, creating new opportunities for partnership, talent exchange, and sustainable entrepreneurship.

With the support of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy — which represents Cyprus within the DCO — Invest Cyprus invited and hosted ten startups from DCO member states, including Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, to actively participate in Reflect Festival. These startups engaged in peer-matching activities with stakeholders from the Cypriot innovation ecosystem, promoting knowledge exchange and the development of cross-border collaborations.

The program featured three thematic panel discussions with distinguished figures from the business and tech sectors:

1. “Building Innovation Zones: Challenges and Opportunities” – Showcasing best practices and case studies from various countries.
2. “Empowering Startups: The Role of Acceleration Programs” – Exploring how accelerator programs boost startup growth and resilience.
3. “Growth Without Borders: From Local Solutions to Global Markets” – In this panel, Invest Cyprus highlighted the international potential of Cypriot entrepreneurship and Cyprus’s strategic role as a regional innovation hub.

Invest Cyprus presented its role as a facilitator in connecting the Cypriot innovation ecosystem with international markets, shared national policies supporting technology and entrepreneurship, and emphasised the geostrategic importance of Cyprus as a gateway from the region to global opportunities.

The event also included startup elevator pitches, open discussions on challenges and opportunities for growth, and a dedicated networking session, further strengthening Cyprus’s international innovation ties.

As Invest Cyprus CEO Marios Tannousis stated, “Cyprus is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of three continents – a gateway to regional markets with global potential. At Invest Cyprus, we focus on creating the right conditions for the growth and international expansion of innovative businesses. Our participation and collaboration in the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) is of utmost importance, particularly in attracting foreign investment. Through this collaboration, we enhance opportunities for startups, SMEs, and large enterprises, while accelerating digital transformation. This positions Cyprus as an attractive hub for the digital economy of the future.”

Invest Cyprus is the national investment promotion agency of the Republic of Cyprus, providing investors with information, expertise, and support at every stage of their investment journey — from initial exploration to implementation and expansion.