New delhi: Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Skourides, participated in the EU-India Forum in New Delhi, where he identified opportunities for Cyprus to bolster its position in innovation, research excellence, and technological development, according to a press release.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Skourides was accompanied by Heraklitos Iosifides, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Cyprus High Commission in India, and Nicolas Kyriakides, President of the Cyprus Forum. They recently concluded an official visit to India, participating in the EU-India Forum, a closed, invitation-only event held on February 6-7, 2026.
Throughout the Forum, the Chief Scientist engaged extensively with leaders from Europe and India, assessing opportunities for Cyprus to enhance its stature in innovation. These initiatives will be advanced in the coming months, beginning with a visit to India by the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr. Nicodemos Damianou, as well as Skourides' participation in the India AI Impact Expo 2026 in New Delhi.
Building on discussions initiated in India, Skourides will focus on accelerating innovation and commercialization through the EU-India corridor, progressing digital technologies via bilateral engagements, and evolving collaboration into an operational India-Cyprus innovation engine. This initiative aims to connect digital infrastructure, mobility, talent flows, and investment pathways, enabling startups to establish and scale in Cyprus.
A key focus of the Summit was the development of interoperable standards to accelerate AI ethics and safety across the EU. Skourides noted that, as Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU, it is crucial to translate strategic opportunities into operational pathways. These pathways can leverage Cyprus and India to create mutual research initiatives and joint innovation programs, paving the way for President Christodoulides' official visit to India later this year.
During his visit, Skourides held discussions with Indian officials and engaged with EU Ambassadors to India and Japan, along with Dr. Sethu Saveda Suvana, CEO of ReOrbit. He explored further applications of research in defense leveraging AI technologies with Dr. D. Gowrisankar from ISRO and Dr. Kristi Raik from Estonia.
Discussions with Professor K. Vijay Raghavan focused on AI's potential in biotechnology and medical sciences. Skourides also exchanged views with Andrea Margelletti, reaffirming that European sovereignty is closely linked to leadership in AI across cyber warfare and quantum superiority.
On the sidelines, Skourides exchanged views with Lukas Savickas from Lithuania and Timo Olavi Harakka from Finland, discussing how specialized committees create technology awareness among policymakers. He also met with Jeevan Talegaonkar from Jio to explore AI product platforms and assess collaboration pathways for Cyprus' research ecosystem.
Skourides emphasized Cyprus's unique position at the intersection of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia as a trusted innovation gateway. As Cyprus holds the EU Presidency, there is a clear focus on digital autonomy, sovereignty, and trustworthy AI, moving decisively from dialogue to delivery.
"Our objective is to transform strategic partnerships into tangible economic growth, scientific excellence, and high-value opportunities that reinforce Cyprus's role as a regional hub for innovation and collaboration," Skourides concluded.