Startups4Peace brings the communities of Cyprus together and provides the motivation, the knowledge and the means to build and grow new business ventures.

About

Startups4Peace (Su4P) is a bi-communal accelerator programme co-funded by the European Union and the Embassy of Finland under the eunite Programme, implemented by GIZ International Services. In close partnership with CyprusInno, CYENS, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce.

Su4P fosters entrepreneurship as a bridge for peacebuilding and reconciliation across Cyprus.

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.

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.
The winners of the Pitching Battle will get the chance to attend the legendary startup event, SLUSH, in Helsinki, Finland.

Image taken from https://slush.org/ address as a screenshot

Applications are open now!

We’re thrilled to invite applications for Startups4Peace 2025!

Following a competitive selection process, up to 10 startups or entrepreneurs will be chosen to join the programme.

Each selected startup may nominate up to two team members to participate in the bootcamps and mentoring sessions.

Please note: the team member who will pitch in the final Su4P Pitch Battle must attend the bootcamps and be actively engaged throughout the programme.

The entire programme will be conducted in  English.

*The winners will receive goods and services from the desired contractors up to 10K in accordance with GIZ procurement rules and guidelines. 

Essential Criteria

To be eligible for Startups4Peace 2025, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Be the founder or co-founder of a startup, or an entrepreneur with a viable business idea;

2. Be at least 18 years of age;

3. Have a good command of English;

4. Be currently residing in Cyprus to attend bootcamps and pitching;

5. Possess valid documentation that allows travel across Cyprus.

Exclusion Criteria

The following applications will not be considered:

1. Applications from individuals or teams who have previously won the Su4P programme;

2.Applications involving business ideas that are illegal or non-compliant with relevant laws and regulations.

Important Note:

Participation in both Bootcamps is mandatory. Applicants who fail to attend the Bootcamps will be disqualified from the Pitching Battle and will not be eligible to attend SLUSH.

While all eligible applicants are welcome, priority may be given to those who have not participated in previous Su4P programmes.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Market Reach & Cooperation Potential (30%)

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.

Note: While bi-communal teams are welcome, they are not required. The key focus is on the ability of the business to operate across Cyprus and, ideally, beyond.

2. Business Criteria (70%)

Innovation – Originality and uniqueness of the idea (15%)
Value Proposition – Clear benefit to the customer and problem- solution fit (15%)
Market Potential – Defined audience and market opportunity (10%)
Feasibility & Execution Plan – Realistic implementation and use of seed funding (10%)
Growth & Scalability – Potential to expand and sustain operations (10%)
Team Experience & Capability – Skills, commitment, and ability to execute (10%)

Programme Outline & Timeline

INFO SESSIONS

8 July 2025 – 18:00- 20:00  

eunite Business Hive Office

Registration link:  https://tinyurl.com/mr2fyczk

18 July 2025  –  18:00- 20:00 

CyprusInno

Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/5b82ctdu

22 July 2025  – 15:00-17:00 

CYENS

Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/yr6d6fmu

Su4P 2025 Application Period

 26 June – 12 August 2025

Deadline for Applications

12 August 2025

Request for Clarifications

25 July 2025

Bootcamp 1

11-12-13  September 2025 (Agros, Limassol) 

Bootcamp 2 

3 and 4 October 2025 (Nicosia)

Pitching BattleCirca 10 October 2025

SLUSH and Finnish Startup Ecosystem Discovery     

Slush 2025: 19 & 20 November 2025
Travel dates: 17 – 21 November 2025

      

 

Programme Outline & Timeline

INFO SESSIONS

8 July 2025 – 18:00- 20:00  

eunite Business Hive Office

Registration link:  https://tinyurl.com/mr2fyczk

18 July 2025  –  18:00- 20:00 

CyprusInno

Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/5b82ctdu

22 July 2025  – 15:00-17:00 

CYENS

Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/yr6d6fmu

Su4P 2025 Application Period

26 June – 12 August 2025

Deadline for Applications

12 August 2025

Request for Clarifications

25 July 2025

Bootcamp 1

11-12-13 September 2025 (Agros, Limassol)

Bootcamp 2

3 and 4 October 2025 (Nicosia)

Pitching Battle

Circa 10 October 2025

SLUSH and Finnish Startup Ecosystem Discovery

Slush 2025: 19 & 20 November 2025
Travel dates: 17 – 21 November 2025

FAQ

Applicants are requested to submit the Application form which can be accessed online by clicking on this link *insert application link here by 12 August 2025. For further questions, applicants can contact info@eunite-cyprus.eu and/or

+90 548 829 24 34 up until 25 July 2025. Please contact us if you do not receive the e-mail acknowledging the receipt within two working days.

Yes, you can apply as an individual entrepreneur.

Up to 2 representatives from each startup can participate at the bootcamps.

No, it is not compulsory to apply with a bi-communal startup/business idea

 

No. As per the essential criteria, the applicant must be the founder or co-founder of a startup, or an entrepreneur with a viable business idea.

Yes, Participant(s) must be over 18 years of age.

Yes. Applicants/participants are expected to attend both Bootcamps. Those who do not attend Bootcamps will neither have chance to participate/present business idea at the Pitching Battle nor attend Slush.

There is no rule on the number of applications that can be submitted. Each application will be evaluated individually.

  • Two residential bootcamps – all expenses covered!
  • One-to-one mentoring sessions– benefit from business development experts!
  • “Digital Market Discovery” opportunity – to expand your startup (idea)!
  • Experience a “Pitching Battle” – compete with your business idea presented to a jury of business professionals!
  • Expand your network island-wide!
  • Two residential bootcamps with international experts (Limassol & Nicosia) – all expenses covered!
  • One-to-one mentoring sessions– benefit from international business development experts!
  • Experience a “Pitching Battle” – compete with your business idea presented to a jury of business professionals and Business Community
  • Expand your network island-wide!

You cannot revise your submitted application. However, you can submit another application by providing full details through the online application form. Please inform us by e-mail (info@eunite-cyprus.eu ) in case of a re-submission.

Startups4Peace is co-funded by the Embassy of Finland and the European Union within the scope of the eunite:SME project, implemented by GIZ International Services.

This website was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of GIZ International Services and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

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