Record Number of Applications for PRE-SEED as Interest in Creating and Growing Startups in Cyprus Continues to Rise
PRESS RELEASE
11 September 2026
Record Number of Applications for PRE-SEED as Interest in Creating and Growing Startups in Cyprus Continues to Rise
284 proposals submitted under the Research and Innovation Foundation’s new Call, highlighting the growing momentum and competitiveness of Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem
The submission process for the PRE-SEED/0526 Call under the RIF “Creation and Initial Development of Startups with International Orientation (PRE-SEED)” Programme was successfully completed today, Friday, 11 September 2026.
A total of 284 proposals were successfully submitted through RIF’s Portal, IRIS, marking a record level of participation for the Programme.
The particularly high level of participation is a strong indication of the growing momentum in Cyprus’ startup sector, as an increasing number of teams and businesses seek to transform innovative ideas into products and services with international growth potential.
The increased interest in the Programme and the record number of proposals further confirm the dynamism of Cyprus’ startup ecosystem, while highlighting the importance of continuously strengthening the opportunities available to new and innovative businesses. The development of additional, appropriately targeted funding and support instruments can play a decisive role in unlocking the potential of entrepreneurial ideas emerging in the country and transforming them into sustainable businesses with international prospects.
The Programme aims to support the creation and initial development of startups developing innovative products and services with the potential to enter and compete in international markets.
The proposal selection process will now follow. In accordance with the RESTART Programmes’ Call for Proposals, this process includes the preliminary eligibility check and the scientific evaluation of the submitted proposals.
RIF continues to actively support the development of a dynamic and competitive innovation ecosystem by creating opportunities for new business ideas and contributing to the transformation of innovation into products, services and businesses with international growth potential.
