The Innovation Day 2025–2026, organized by Junior Achievement Cyprus, on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the premises of POED in Nicosia, concluded with enthusiasm and active participation. The event was attended by 100 students aged 15–18 from Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot schools, who had the opportunity to collaborate, create and develop skills with substantial impact.

The participants worked in mixed teams on a modern challenge presented at the opening of the event. The challenge was to develop an innovative product, service or solution as cultural entrepreneurs within the Cultural Heritage industry. They were asked to explain the product or service their business would offer, the challenge it would tackle and what are the main aspects and parameters that they needed to consider in order to create a fully sustainable business. With guidance from experienced mentors of the business and culture environment of Cyprus, the students developed ideas that combined creativity, social vision and practical application. The final presentations impressed the jury of entrepreneurs and experts, highlighting the fresh and mature thinking of young people.

The standout team consisted of: Eylul Oztorel (Eastern Mediterranean Doga), Derin Şemsettin (Levent School), Athanasia Mavrotheri (English School Nicosia), Alexander Gregory (American Academy Larnaka) and Christopher Avraamides (American Academy Nicosia). Their idea was an application that connects artisans with the local community and preserves rare artisan skills that are at risk of being lost as older generations age. By giving these artisans a platform to showcase their work, sell craft kits, and share their knowledge, the company protect cultural heritage while connecting it with the community in a way no other platform does. With this distinction, the team secured its participation in the JA Austria International Marketplace 2026 in Vienna, Austria, courtesy of ExxonMobil Cyprus. The second and third winners also received significant prizes coming from the British High Commission and the Youth Board of Cyprus that recognized their hard work and creativity.

At the same time, the teachers who attended participated in a focused Entrepreneurship and Cultural Heritage Education workshop, gaining practical tools to enhance entrepreneurial thinking with respect to the culture in school classrooms.

The conference highlighted for another year how important the role of cooperation and building trust between the two communities is. Through actions like this, the young people of Cyprus come closer, exchange ideas and build a future based on mutual respect and optimism.

The event was held with the support of British High Commission and the Youth Board of Cyprus, which firmly support the institution and actively participate in its content.

Antigoni Komodiki, CEO of JA Cyprus, said:

"For yet another year we saw the young people of Cyprus joining forces and creating without limits. Their energy and vision are a source of inspiration and drive us to continue building bridges through education and innovation." Referring to the youth present in the room, Mrs Komodiki  said “It is you who will be called upon to provide solutions to our greater problem: our divided island. And it is preferable that you are guided by cooperation, love, and the desire for peace, rather than by anything else.”

Maria Miltiadou, Deputy Executive Director of ONEK, noted:

"Every idea you share today can become tomorrow's opportunity. ONEK remains by your side, supporting your path to creativity and entrepreneurship."

Andrew Wilson, the Head of Political Section of British High Commission Nicosia stated "Our participation in the Bi-communal Innovation Day is an honour and a pleasure. We are so proud to have supported Junior Achievement for the past three years. Every year the students' ideas positively surprise us and confirm the potential of the new generation of Cyprus!"

Junior Achievement Cyprus consistently continues its mission to empower young people through entrepreneurship, financial literacy and life skills programs, as an active member of the global JA Worldwide network.

For more information about the actions of Junior Achievement Cyprus:

www.jacyprus.org or contact us at [email protected]