Cyprus Eyes Indonesia as Strategic Partner, Offers Access to European Innovation Ecosystem
Cyprus is strengthening its position as a link between the European and Southeast Asian technology ecosystems through a forum titled ‘Cyprus as a Gateway: Linking the European & Southeast Asian Tech & Innovation Ecosystems’ held in Jakarta. The event is part of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union and serves as a platform to introduce the nation’s research, innovation, and investment opportunities to Indonesian stakeholders.
Organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Jakarta in collaboration with the Research and Innovation Foundation and the Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, the forum was attended by several officials from Indonesia and the European Union. Notable attendees included the Cypriot Ambassador to Indonesia, Nikos Panayotou; the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Stella Christie; the EU Ambassador to Indonesia, Denis Chaibi; and the Vice Chairman of Foreign Relations at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Bernardino M. Vega.
The Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Skourides, outlined his country’s strategy for building a competitive innovation ecosystem. He noted that Cyprus offers a conducive business environment, investment-friendly regulations, and a strategic geographical position at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, making it an ideal entry point for Southeast Asian companies looking to expand into the EU market.
Ambassador Nikos Panayiotou stated that Cyprus continues to enhance its competitiveness in the innovation and technology sectors. “Currently, Cyprus ranks 25th in the World Innovation Index and is categorised as a strong innovator among EU member states. With a dynamic innovation ecosystem and a strategic location, Cyprus is evolving into a regional innovation hub that can serve as a gateway for Indonesia and Southeast Asia to enter the broader European ecosystem,” Panayiotou said in a press release from the Embassy in Jakarta.
He added that this position presents significant opportunities for Indonesian companies, investors, and startups to establish partnerships with various research institutions and technology industries in Europe.
In addition to introducing national innovation strategies, the forum provided a platform for several Cypriot technology companies and research centres to showcase various tech-based solutions. Participants included Dynamic Works, QSecure—which offers offensive cybersecurity services and EU security standard compliance to protect critical infrastructure—the Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute (CMMI), Powersoft, Tototheo Global, and Orom AI, which presents real-time AI-based mapping and localisation technology applicable to industry, transport, and smart city development.
The forum was supported by the EU Delegation to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), HI Incubator, Plug and Play, and GATES.
Through this forum, Indonesia is seen to have the opportunity to expand access to cutting-edge technology, strengthen research capacity, and increase collaboration between the government, universities, investors, and startups. Conversely, Cyprus gains access to the Southeast Asian market, which remains one of the fastest-growing digital economies in the world.