A record-breaking 77 young entrepreneurs have applied to participate in the “Stelios Awards for Young Entrepreneurs in Cyprus 2025”, competing for a total prize fund of €200,000. The awards will recognize the three best business ideas, according to an announcement from the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation.

The foundation noted that the remarkable level of participation reflects “the younger generation’s thirst for progress and innovation”, while confirming that young Cypriot entrepreneurs view the awards as a leading platform to showcase creativity and innovation.

This year’s event carries even greater significance, as the prize pool has doubled to €200,000, offering strong motivation and tangible support to the winners.

Specifically, the prize distribution for the 2025 Young Entrepreneurship Awards is as follows:

• 1st place: €100,000

• 2nd place: €60,000

• 3rd place: €40,000

The interview process for applicants will be conducted online, while the Awards Ceremony and presentation of the prizes by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou will take place on October 7, 2025, in the presence of the First Lady of the Republic, Philippa Karsera-Christodoulides.

Eligibility criteria included applicants of any nationality, under the age of 34, who founded a company in the Republic of Cyprus within the last five years, with an annual turnover of at least €40,000.