The Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) successfully hosted the final event of the BalkanMed Gazelle project on June 1st. The event was a showcase of the project’s achievements, innovations, and success stories, marking the conclusion of an initiative that has substantially driven the growth of the startup ecosystem in the Balkan-Mediterranean region. The event took place in a hybrid manner with both online and face to face participants.

Mr. Petros Kosmas of CUT set the stage with a brief but comprehensive presentation outlining the project’s goals and actions. He underlined the project’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, setting a positive tone for the proceedings of the event.

Ms. Anthi Hadjikyriakou from ARIS followed up with a detailed presentation about the accelerator’s activities. She showcased the key roles that ARIS has played as an external expert of the project. Her presentation provided a thorough overview of the activities undertaken by ARIS, from inviting innovative SMEs and carrying out startup evaluations, to implementing an acceleration programme, facilitating technology transfer, organizing an international investment forum and a conference, and operating a local support center for innovative SMEs in the region.

A significant highlight of the event was the presentation by Mr. Hristo Andreev from CUT. He unveiled the Startuptoolkit, a platform developed to cater to the project’s needs. This valuable toolkit will become publicly available by the end of the project, bolstering resources for startups and entrepreneurs across the globe.

The event also offered attendees an up-close look at successful startups nurtured under the project.

iRerobot, represented by Kyriacos Clerides pitched in front of the audience their innovative technology called ACETT (Auditory Communication Enhancement Through Touch).

Nextbike, represented by Neofytos Ioannou, pitched their pathway for developing and providing sustainable mobility solutions in Cyprus through bike sharing.

In an exciting and interactive finale, attendees were invited to pitch or present their own business ideas to the panel of experts. This opportunity saw one attendee step forward, receiving valuable feedback for his business idea called Re-Aqua.

Finally, Mr. Andreas Damianou, a responsible officer at the Faculty of Tourism Management, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship presented the available Masters programmes: MSc in International Tourism and Hospitality Management and MSc in Management: Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprise Management.

The BalkanMed Gazelle Final Event marks a significant milestone in the region’s innovation journey, showcasing the impactful outcomes of the BalkanMed Gazelle project and setting the stage for future entrepreneurial success stories.