Space Technology Collaboration Pursued by ERATOSTHENES Center and India
Cyprus' ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence Launches Space Business Incubator, Explores Strategic Partnership with India
The ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence, based in Cyprus, recently unveiled its newly established Space Business Incubator (Space BIC) to the High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Cyprus, Shri Manish. The event marked the beginning of a constructive dialogue aimed at building a sustainable and mutually beneficial collaboration between the two entities.
Space BIC, Cyprus' first Space Business Incubator, is designed to support startups and entrepreneurs in the space sector. It aims to foster cross-border collaboration and innovation, introduce pioneering services, platforms, and training programs in space technologies and applications.
The discussions, held on Tuesday, focused on forging a new strategic partnership in space technology. Professor Diofantos Hadjimitsis, CEO of the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence, led the delegation, which included Professor Andreas Anayiotos, Director of the Technology Transfer Office; Kyriakos Themistocleous, Director of External Relations and Business Development; Andreas Andreou, Business Development and Technology Commercialization Officer; Neal Peter Beckett, Business Development Officer; and Eliana Iliofotu, Head of Communications.
Professor Anayiotos, during the discussions, stated that India is a global leader in space research and entrepreneurship. He expressed that the dialogue lays the foundation for a meaningful partnership, given India's position as a global leader. He emphasized that such a partnership could lead to significant advancements in the field of space technology and entrepreneurship.
The upcoming Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus at the Council of the European Union in 2026 was also discussed. The strategic geographic position of Cyprus, being a gateway between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, was highlighted during the discussions as an advantageous factor for potential collaborations.
The talks centered on potential innovation, startups, and joint research opportunities. Special emphasis was placed on the exchange of best practices and staff mobility to strengthen research cooperation, entrepreneurship, and capacity-building in space and geospatial technologies.
It is worth noting that the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence has advanced expertise and infrastructure in Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, and Geoinformatics. The Centre's discussions with the Indian High Commissioner did not involve any advertisements.
The ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence is currently in discussions with Indian organizations, focusing on innovation and startups, although specific Indian institutions or organizations are not explicitly named in the available sources. The meetings are aimed at exploring opportunities for strategic cooperation in space technology and entrepreneurship.
This partnership with India could potentially lead to significant advancements in the field of space technology and entrepreneurship for both countries, further cementing Cyprus' position as a hub for innovation and research in the region.
