Cyprus records fastest-growing startup ecosystem in the EU

On November 11, 2026, the inaugural Plug and Play Cyprus Expo was held in Limassol. Addressing the event on behalf of the President of the Republic, Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki emphasized the country's strategic shift toward internationalizing its innovation ecosystem. The government aims to foster stronger ties between domestic businesses, global markets, and international investment networks, building upon recent growth in research and entrepreneurial cooperation.

According to the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026, Cyprus has been named the fastest-growing startup ecosystem in the European Union for the third consecutive year. On a global scale, the country improved its ranking from 40th to 34th place. Furthermore, Limassol achieved a significant milestone by entering the top 200 cities for startup entrepreneurship, securing the 191st position. While the index highlights the rapid momentum of the ecosystem rather than the absolute size of the industry, these figures underscore the nation's progress in creating technology-driven enterprises with a global footprint.

This development marks a crucial stage in connecting Cyprus’s technological innovation with real-world business activities. The government continues to prioritize the expansion of this sector, focusing on enhancing the depth and extroversion of local firms to overcome the limitations of a small domestic market.