Cypriot officials promote innovation hub at Plug and Play Winter Summit

Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nikodimos Damianou and Member of Parliament Aristos Loukaidis participated in the Plug and Play Winter Summit in the United States, held in early November 2026. The delegation engaged with members of the Cypriot diaspora during the 'Cyprus & Innovation' event, organized by Cyprus Catalyst, to bolster technological collaboration and promote the island as a growing center for research and entrepreneurship.

During the summit, Damianou emphasized the strategic importance of leveraging the knowledge and international networks of the Cypriot diaspora in the U.S. to support the development of local startups. The initiatives discussed are intended to bridge the gap between the national ecosystem and the American technology sector, fostering direct cooperation and resource sharing.

This mission follows previous diplomatic efforts, including contacts made by President Christodoulides in the U.S. in April 2025, which led to the creation of Cyprus Catalyst. The government aims to maintain these channels as a permanent mechanism to facilitate professional connections, with officials stressing that their role is to provide the necessary framework and support for these partnerships to thrive in the future.