The completion of the HUB-IN Nicosia Accelerator marks a new chapter in linking creativity and entrepreneurship in the city of Nicosia. The program was implemented as part of the European project HUB-IN (Hubs of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the Transformation of Historic Urban Areas).

This two-month initiative provided free, intensive support to business ideas in the creative and cultural industries. It was organized by the Municipality of Nicosia in collaboration with the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus Energy Agency, and the CYENS Centre of Excellence.

According to a statement from the Municipality of Nicosia, the initiative reflects the city’s commitment to strengthening creative and cultural enterprises, sectors that highlight Nicosia's unique identity and position it prominently on the global innovation map. Of the 15 applications submitted, eight teams joined the program, and six successfully completed the sessions, demonstrating remarkable dedication and commitment.

The 24-hour training sessions were designed by the Centre for Scientific Training, Evaluation, and Development (KEPEAA) of the University of Cyprus. They equipped participants with essential knowledge and skills in areas such as entrepreneurship, project management, human resource management, and design thinking.

The program culminated in a pitching event on Friday, December 6, where participants presented their ideas to a distinguished panel of judges. The panel included Chief Scientist of Cyprus Demetris Skourides; Yiannis Eftychiou, Founder of 33 East Venture Capital; Ioanna Hadjicosti, Director of the Department of Modern and Contemporary Culture at the Deputy Ministry of Culture; and Andrea Antoniou, Vice President of Iron Mountain Central & Southern Europe.

The event was greeted by Charalambos Prontzos, Mayor of Nicosia, and Professor George Hadjinikola, Chair of the Department of Public Administration and Business Administration at the University of Cyprus.

Three teams stood out and were rewarded with cash prizes for their innovation and pioneering ideas:

• Elson Alphas: Creating authentic, high-quality products inspired by Cypriot heritage.

• Aeontech: Developing a digital encyclopedia promoting interactive learning in classrooms.

• OCE - Outdoor Cinema Eleftherias: Offering outdoor cinema experiences that enhance the cultural dimension of the city, aiming to repurpose public and private outdoor spaces and strengthen human connections.

A notable highlight of the event was the Chief Scientist’s offer to personally mentor the teams that did not win, emphasizing that "failure is a step toward success."