Limassol: Cyprus has officially applied to join the European Space Agency (ESA), Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, announced during an event celebrating the fifth anniversary of the “Eratosthenes” excellence centre in Limassol. Damianou highlighted the potential for the centre to become a regional hub for earth observation and space applications.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Damianou emphasized the role of research, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship as pivotal elements for prosperity, resilience, and national progress. He explained that the Deputy Ministry’s strategic decisions are geared towards fostering an ecosystem where innovative ideas can yield sustainable results, positioning Cyprus at the forefront of European and global innovation.
Damianou noted that Cyprus ranks among the top 40 ecosystems for start-ups worldwide and has shown the most progress among EU countries for the second year in a row. He mentioned that Cyprus has secured over 300 million euros so far through the “Horizon 2020” framework and is recognized as a “Strong Innovator” by the European Innovation Results Board, with a 39% increase in innovation output since 2017.
Discussing the “Eratosthenes” centre, Damianou highlighted its potential to become a leader in earth observation and space applications. With over 40 innovative research projects and 15 million euros in competitive funding, the centre has attracted specialized researchers and cultivated promising talents, achieving scientific recognition as reflected in the ScholarGPS Analytics rankings.
Damianou underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation with the ESA to achieve national goals. He added that efforts are underway to accelerate the growth capabilities of the industry, with Cyprus having formally requested ESA membership.