Submissions open for Startups4Peace Accelerator Programme (Cyprus)

Startups4Peace (Su4P) is abi-communal accelerator programme co-funded by the European Union and the Embassy of Finland under the eunite Programme, implemented by GIZ International Services.

Since its inception, Su4P has become a flagship initiative for bi-communual innovation, bringing together Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs through structured bootcamps, mentoring, and joint pitch competitions. Each cycle culminates in the Su4P Pitch Battle, with top teams gaining international exposure at SLUSH, one of Europe’s leading startup events in Helsinki.

Funding Information

• 2025 marks the programme’s 10th anniversary — a major milestone celebrating a decade of collaboration, impact, and entrepreneurial growth. To honour this legacy and scale its reach, Su4P 2025 introduces the following enhancements:
  • €20,000 in Seed Funding Prizes (€10,000 winner, €5,000 for two runner-ups) to catalyse early-stage business growth and attract top- tier applicants.
• Su4P will provide support to new and fledgling businesses through the delivery of;
  • Opportunity for networking across Cyprus.
  • Series of workshops as part of two residential bootcamps;
  • “One-to-one” mentoring sessions depending on the needs of the startups;
  • A “Pitching battle” where startups will compete with their business ideas to impress an independent jury to receive seed funding and attandance to SLUSH.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible for Startups4Peace 2025, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
  • Be the founder or co-founder of a startup, or an entrepreneur with a viable business idea;
  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • Have a good command of English;
  • Be currently residing in Cyprus to attend bootcamps and pitching;
  • Possess valid documentation that allows travel across Cyprus.

Ineligibility Criteria

• The following applications will not be considered:
  • Applications from individuals or teams who have previously won the Su4P programme;
  • Applications involving business ideas that are illegal or non-compliant with relevant laws and regulations.

Evaluation Criteria

• Market Reach & Cooperation Potential
  • The business or idea should demonstrate the potential to:
    • Operate across both communities in Cyprus (e.g. accessible to customers island-wide);
    • Appeal to a wide and diverse audience, with the capacity to deliver value across the entire Cypriot market;
    • Scale regionally or globally, while contributing to economic interaction and mutual benefit across the island.
• Business Criteria
  • Innovation – Originality and uniqueness of the idea
  • Value Proposition – Clear benefit to the customer and problem- solution fit
  • Market Potential – Defined audience and market opportunity
  • Feasibility & Execution Plan – Realistic implementation and use of seed funding
  • Growth & Scalability – Potential to expand and sustain operations
  • Team Experience & Capability – Skills, commitment, and ability to execute

For more information, visit Startups4Peace.