n this inspiring episode of Urban Canvas, we sit down with Maria Markidou Georgiadou, the force behind Cyprus Seeds, a non-profit that’s redefining the future of innovation in Cyprus. With a vision to turn academic research into market-ready startups, Maria shares how her organization is helping scientists become entrepreneurs, and why now is the time for Cyprus to take a bold leap into the world of deep tech.

Founded seven years ago, Cyprus Seeds supports research teams from local universities and research centers by offering funding, business training, world-class mentorship, and access to global investor networks. But as Maria emphasizes, the biggest barrier isn’t funding, it’s mindset.

“Changing the way scientists see their work, helping them think entrepreneurially, that’s our biggest challenge,” she says.

Maria walks us through Cyprus Seeds’ comprehensive offering: grants of up to €50,000, mentorship from top experts (many from MIT), monthly coaching, and training on customer discovery, pitching, IP protection, and more. The program is equity-free, making its support even more valuable. 

One of the biggest moves yet? A strategic partnership with the UK’s Conception X, a leading venture builder for PhD students. This collaboration is already giving Cyprus-based researchers access to European markets and networks. “Our teams told us, for the first time, it feels like their work exists beyond Cyprus,” Maria notes.

The conversation dives into Maria’s hopes for national policy changes, the importance of keeping talent on the island, and her ambition to one day scale Cyprus Seeds beyond national borders.

“Why not support scientists in Lebanon, Egypt, or anywhere else where innovation is happening but support is lacking?” she says.

Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe to Urban Canvas for more stories of people reshaping Cyprus and beyond.