The official presentation of the Smart Cyprus project took place on Tuesday—a national initiative aimed at shaping a modern, green, and sustainable development model for the entire island.

According to an announcement by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, cities and communities that leverage technology to manage resources more efficiently, enhance public safety, and serve citizens effectively are at the heart of this transformation.

The event was organized by the Deputy Ministry in collaboration with Cyta, which has been appointed through a competitive bidding process as the official Operator of the National Smart Cyprus Platform.

The first phase of the project includes the implementation of three smart vertical solutions:

• Smart Lighting

• Smart Parking

• Smart Waste Management

In addition, a dedicated mobile application will be developed to improve communication and service delivery for citizens.

This initial phase is funded with €35 million from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. It also includes compensation for existing investments already implemented by various municipalities.

The project is designed to allow ongoing integration of new smart solutions, based on a specialized cost model to be developed by the platform operator—under the supervision of the Deputy Ministry. This model will ensure transparency and the most cost-effective solutions for all participating entities.

Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr. Nikodimos Damianou, addressed the event, highlighting the strategic role of Smart Cyprus in shaping a digital, green, and resilient Cyprus.

As he emphasized: "Smart Cyprus is not just another technological intervention. It is a horizontal, central infrastructure—a platform designed from the ground up based on the principles of interoperability and scalability, aiming to accelerate the smart digital transition across the island."

In his remarks, Cyta CEO Andreas Neocleous underscored the organization’s strategic importance in implementing critical digital projects for the state and its citizens. "Cyta is here to ensure the correct execution of the project—with shared standards, speed, and coordination," he stated.

The event also featured presentations from senior officials of the Deputy Ministry and Cyta, showcasing the platform’s content, capabilities, requirements, and implementation timeline.

The event concluded with an open discussion, attended by representatives of local authorities, government agencies, and other stakeholders.