News, 28.6.2024

Startups4Peace application period for 2024 is now open

Startups4Peace 2024 is here! Are you an entrepreneur ready to make a mark? Don’t miss this game-changing opportunity! Unleash your entrepreneurial potential with Startups4Peace (Su4P), co-funded by the Embassy of Finland and the European Union.

Applications for Startups4Peace 2024 are now open(Link to another website.)!

Startups4Peace (Su4P) is a competition and acceleration programme co-funded by the Embassy of Finland and the European Union within the scope of the eunite:SME project, implemented by GIZ International Services. The programme is delivered in partnership with CyprusInno, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce.

We aim to encourage innovative startup entrepreneurship with intercommunal vision in Cyprus, to bring together and increase contacts between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities and support entrepreneurs in developing their businesses.

Ambassador Harri Mäki-Reinikka speaking at the SU4P launch event.

Su4P will provide much needed support to new and fledgling businesses through the delivery of;

  • Opportunity for networking across Cyprus.

  • Series of workshops as part of two residential bootcamps;

  • “One-to-one” mentoring sessions depending on the needs of the startups;

  • “Market discovery” opportunity for professional development of each startup, and;

  • A “Pitching battle” where startups will compete with their business ideas to impress an independent jury which is formed of business professionals.

The winners of the Pitching Battle will get the chance to attend the legendary startup event, SLUSH, in Helsinki, Finland.

The participant must;

1. Be owner/founder of the startup; OR
2. Be entrepreneur at pre-startup stage and demonstrate they have a viable business idea;and,
3. Be over 18 years of age; and,
4. Have a good level of English language; and,
5. Be based in Cyprus; and,
6. Hold necessary documentation to travel across Cyprus.

Exclusion Criteria

The following applications will be ineligible for evaluation:

1.Applications from previous Su4P programme winners (teams & individuals).
2.Applications with business ideas that are not legal and above board.

Important Note: Applicants/participants are expected to attend both Bootcamps. Those who do not attend Bootcamps will neither have chance to participate/present business idea at the Pitching Battle nor attend Slush. Also, note that the priority may be given to those that did not participate in the previous Su4P Programmes.