The "Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Co-operation in Cyprus 2026" were presented on Monday morning, during which Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of the easy family of Brands and founder and chairman of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, awarded 9 bi-communal business teams, consisting of 9 Greek Cypriot and 9 Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs.

According to a press release of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, the event, held this year for the 16th year, highlighted once again the important role of entrepreneurship in creating new opportunities, growth and a shared perspective for the two communities of Cyprus.

The total amount of the awards this year amounted to €500,000, with the total contribution of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation in creating opportunities for cooperation and joint development for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots now amounting to €5,300,000 since the launch of the event in 2009.

As stated, the long-standing impact and the dynamics of the institution are reflected in the strong interest in participation recorded this year. Specifically, 78 Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs, who participated in 39 bilateral bi-communal groups, submitted a joint application to participate in the Stelios Bicommunal Business Awards in Cyprus 2026.

The 9 winning, bilateral bi-communal business teams shared cash prizes totalling €500,000, with the Gold Winning Team receiving €150,000, of which €75,000 was awarded to each entrepreneur.

The Silver Prize and a total amount of €200,000 were awarded to two teams. Each Silver Winning Team received €100,000 - €50,000 for each entrepreneur member of the two-man team. The Bronze Prize totalling €150,000 was awarded to six teams. Each team received €25,000 - €12,500 for each entrepreneur member of the two-man team.

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides said that the Stelios Bi-Communal Business Cooperation Awards are a long-standing institution, the essence of which lies in the transformative power of cooperation and peaceful coexistence.

Congratulating the winners and all participants in the competition, Haji-Ioannou said that "the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards is not just an institution of entrepreneurship. It is a living proof that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can work together, create together and succeed together. Every joint venture born out of this initiative is a true bridge of communication, trust and progress between the two communities of Cyprus."

The Gold Award was presented to Steven Stavrou and Burak Doluay who founded the SocialTech Lab to harness tools that promote entrepreneurship, innovation and technology, fostering a different culture of collaboration and communication.

The award ceremony, which took place at the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation Headquarters in Nicosia, was attended by the President Christodoulides, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General, María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, as well as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Cyprus, Khassim Diagne, recognizing the long-standing contribution of the institution in strengthening entrepreneurship in Cyprus.

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)