OEB Cyprus Innovation Awards and RIF Cyprus Research Awards Celebrated at Prestigious Ceremony
Businesses, organisations and researchers recognised for excellence in innovation and research in the presence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus
The 19th Cyprus Innovation Awards of the Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB) and the 2025 Cyprus Research Awards of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) were presented at a prestigious joint ceremony held on 26 October 2026 at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre.
The ceremony was attended by H.E. the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, who delivered an address and presented the awards, reaffirming the State's commitment to promoting research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Jointly organised by OEB and RIF, the event celebrated creativity, scientific excellence and entrepreneurial achievement, highlighting the vital contribution of research and innovation to economic growth, competitiveness and sustainable development in Cyprus.
In his address, OEB President, Mr George Pantelides, emphasised that innovation is a key driver of business competitiveness and economic progress. He stressed the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial culture that encourages new ideas and supports their transformation into innovative products, services and processes, creating tangible value for businesses and society.
Chief Scientist for Research and Innovation and Chairman of RIF, Mr Demetris Skourides, highlighted the strategic importance of strengthening the links between research and industry. He underlined the need for closer collaboration between researchers and businesses to translate scientific knowledge into commercially viable solutions, accelerate innovation and unlock new opportunities for economic development.
Addressing the ceremony, President Nikos Christodoulides reaffirmed the Government's determination to actively support businesses investing in innovation, emerging technologies and new solutions. Referring to ongoing measures and initiatives aimed at strengthening the country's innovation ecosystem, he emphasised that research and innovation remain strategic priorities for building a modern, dynamic and internationally competitive Cyprus economy.
Οι νικητές των 19ων Κυπριακών Βραβείων Καινοτομίας της ΟΕΒ
Four businesses and organisations were honoured with the OEB Cyprus Innovation Awards, recognising their outstanding achievements in developing and implementing innovative solutions across different sectors of the economy.
Winners of the 19th OEB Cyprus Innovation Awards
- Primary Sector: Kouloumbris Farm Ltd
- Manufacturing Sector: Poupa Aluminium Systems
- Services Sector: Neuranet Solutions Ltd
- Social Innovation: Welfare Benefits Management Service (YDEP) of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare
Established in 2006, the OEB Cyprus Innovation Awards have become one of Cyprus' leading initiatives for recognising and rewarding successful innovation.
The awards showcase businesses and organisations that successfully translate original ideas into practical applications, generating added value, strengthening competitiveness and delivering benefits to the economy and society.
Winners of the 2025 RIF Cyprus Research Awards
The ceremony also honoured outstanding members of Cyprus's research community through the Winners of the 2025 RIF Cyprus Research Awards, recognising scientific excellence, research achievements and contributions to the advancement and practical application of knowledge.
Strengthening the Link Between Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Distinguished Researcher Award – Social Sciences & Humanities: Costas Fanti, Professor of Developmental Psychology, University of Cyprus.
- Advanced Young Researcher Award – Physical Sciences & Engineering: Dr Anastasia Antoniou, Postdoctoral Associate, Cyprus University of Technology.
- Advanced Young Researcher Award – Life Sciences: Dr Myrofora Panayi, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Cyprus.
- Advanced Young Researcher Award – Social Sciences & Humanities: Dr Marina Charalambous, Member of Special Teaching Personnel, Cyprus University of Technology.
- Commercial Exploitation of Research Results Award: Dr Demetris Kyriacou, Founder & CEO of EFEVRE TECH LTD.
The joint OEB and RIF Awards Ceremony has evolved into an established annual event, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and scientific excellence in Cyprus. By bringing together the business and research communities, the initiative highlights the importance of transforming scientific discoveries and innovative ideas into real-world solutions, while reinforcing the value of collaboration between businesses, research institutions and the State.
OEB extends its warmest congratulations to all recipients of the Cyprus Innovation Awards and the RIF Cyprus Research Awards, as well as to all participating businesses, organisations and researchers whose efforts contribute to advancing innovation, creativity and scientific progress in Cyprus.
The ceremony was held with the support of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy. The OEB Cyprus Innovation Awards also form part of the activities organised under European SME Week, highlighting the important role of innovation in strengthening entrepreneurship and the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.
