Building Peace Through Entrepreneurship in Cyprus

As we approach the final quarter of this year, we’re thrilled to share our latest update with you! In recent months, we’ve witnessed a surge of activity sparked by innovative programming updates and exciting new developments.

With SocialTech Lab celebrating its continuing regional expansion, our team has been busy preparing new programs and opportunities. From training sessions to study visits, networking events to information sessions, diverse young entrepreneurs continue to utilize our resources to grow their ideas and build new partnerships.

In this update, we highlight some key initiatives that helped propel our impact, including:

• The announcement of the second cycle of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Cyprus, bringing together 50 women for a transformative four-month program designed to turn their business dreams into reality.
• Our proud sponsorship of the Cyprus Networking Forum (CNF) 2024, where we engaged with 300+ industry professionals.
• Our participation as panelists in the UWC Youth Leadership Forum, discussing entrepreneurship and peacebuilding.
• The launch of the call for the EIT Community Ignite NEB (New European Bauhaus) Hackathon Cyprus, marking our first design-led initiative in collaboration with Kimitisik and EIT Community to tackle pressing urban challenges.

As a community center, we also partner with other organisations to host impactful events at The Base:

• Co-hosted the Su4P Programme Info Session with EUNITE, providing entrepreneurs with valuable insights into how the Su4P program can support their growth.
• Hosted the pitching session for the Tech2Peace Startup Hackathon 2024, featuring Israeli and Palestinian startup teams.
• Hosted the University of Cyprus’ political science students for a study visit, engaging in insightful discussions about our initiatives.

We’re also thrilled to share some of our accomplishments from this period with you:

• Selected as a semifinalist for MIT SOLVE, which sought technology-based solutions that build and sustain peaceful and prosperous economies.
• Awarded the UN SDG Digital GameChangers Award in the category of Peace—Building Peaceful and Inclusive Societies during a special awards ceremony at the SDG Digital 2024 event organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the UN Summit of the Future Action Days during the UN General Assembly week in New York.

As we step into the final stretch of the year, we’re gearing up for our most active period yet! Exciting workshops, bootcamps, new partnerships, and much more are on the way. Your continued support is invaluable, and we truly appreciate your faith in our vision.

Links:

• View/Download our Full Q3 2024 Quarterly Donor Impact Report
• MIT SOLVE Global Economic Prosperity Semifinalists
• SDG Digital GameChanger Winners Announcement

As we continue through the second quarter of this year, we're excited to bring you our latest quarterly update! Over the past few months, we experienced a rush of new activity, including innovative programs and exciting updates.

With SocialTech Lab delivering new opportunities this quarter, The Base by CyprusInno has been buzzing with energy. From hackathons to workshops, networking events to alumni gatherings, and more, diverse young entrepreneurs continue to utilise our resources to grow their ideas and build new partnerships.

In this update, we highlight some key initiatives that helped propel our impact, including:

• A groundbreaking AI/ML Hackathon in Cyprus with Microsoft and FINOMENA bringing together Palestinians, Greek-Cypriots, Turkish-Cypriots, and Egyptians. They tackled challenges over 3 days with support from experts, coaches & founders.
• A large-scale B2B networking event with the EU OSS attracting business people, tech professionals, and service sector experts interested in facilitating collaborations across the Green Line. Attendees had the chance to engage with EU OSS representatives and network for partners.
• Volume 5 of the Building Bridges Business and Networking Fair: Fashion Edition with the UNFICYP, emphasising fashion entrepreneurship and unity among Cypriots.

As a community center, we also partner with other organisations to host impactful events at The Base:

• Co-hosted an exclusive alumni event with NASA Project Scientist Dr. Alexandra Lockwood, who shared her NASA journey and engaged in discussions with our alumni.
• Co-hosted the GDG Tech Talks with Pale Blue, demonstrating Gemini AI's guitar analysis and discussing AI in music education.
• Hosted an "Effective Networking" workshop for our alumni to boost communication skills for SMB owners, solopreneurs, and startup founders.

We are also excited to keep you in the loop on some of our achievements during this time:

• Co-hosted the second edition of BOOST: PitchBack with the UNDP BOOST regional team, showcasing live pitches from four ventures tackling global issues.
• Featured on the "Made in Cyprus" podcast series with Martin Zarian where we discussed peacetech and leveraging technology for social and environmental challenges.
• Expanded our team with a Project Associate & Growth Specialist and an Innovation Program Specialist to enhance our capabilities and drive further growth.

Entering the second half of the year means preparing for our busiest period yet! New workshops, bootcamps, academies, and more are on the horizon. Your ongoing support is crucial, and we sincerely appreciate your belief in our vision.

Links:

• View/Download our Full Q2 2024 Quarterly Donor Impact Report
• Watch our interview on the "Made in Cyprus" Podcast!