With 185 participants from across all key pillars of the Cypriot innovation ecosystem, The Bash 2025: The Startup and Innovation Community Networking Event took place under the umbrella of the Innovation Factory initiative of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) and the activities of the Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus.

According to an official statement by RIF, in its fifth year, the event brought together startups, innovative businesses, investors, support service providers, academic and research institutions, and public sector representatives, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment for networking and collaboration.

The Foundation highlighted that this year’s increased turnout, compared to previous editions, reflects the continued growth and maturity of the innovation ecosystem in Cyprus, which is strengthening year by year.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr. Nikodimos Damianou, who emphasized in his remarks that RIF has been and continues to be the executive arm of the State in terms of funding allocation.

“The further we move forward, the more critical the Foundation becomes in bringing ideas to life and propelling the ecosystem,” he stated, citing recent initiatives such as the new call for proposals titled ‘AI in Government’ as tangible evidence of progress.

Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology, Mr. Demetris Skourides, stressed the importance of transforming Cyprus into a regional hub of innovation, a goal that he noted requires active collaboration and synergy among all ecosystem stakeholders, along with sustained government support.

Adding to the discussion, RIF Director General Theodoros Loukaidis remarked that this year’s edition of The Bash reflects the evolution and growth trajectory of Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem since the event’s inception. He described the progress as encouraging and reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting such initiatives.