Startups4Peace brings the communities of Cyprus together and provides the motivation, the knowledge and the means to build and grow new business ventures.
Goals
About
Startups4Peace (Su4P) is a competition and acceleration programme co-funded by the Embassy of Finland and the European Union within the scope of the eunite:SME project, implemented by GIZ International Services. The programme is delivered in partnership with CyprusInno, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce.
We aim to encourage innovative startup entrepreneurship with intercommunal vision in Cyprus, to bring together and increase contacts between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities and support entrepreneurs in developing their businesses.
Su4P will provide much needed 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;
- “Market discovery” opportunity for professional development of each startup, and;
- A “Pitching battle” where startups will compete with their business ideas to impress an independent jury which is formed of business professionals.
Image taken from https://slush.org/ address as a screenshot
We are excited to announce that applications are open now!
Up to 10 startups/entrepreneurs will be given chance to participate at the programme after a competitive evaluation process.
Up to two individuals can represent a startup at the bootcamps and mentoring sessions and the representative of the startup at the pitching battle must participate at the bootcamps and be actively involved in the programme.
The language of the programme will be in English.
Essential Criteria
The participant must;
1. Be owner/founder of the startup; OR
2. Be entrepreneur at pre-startup stage and demonstrate they have a viable business idea;and,
3. Be over 18 years of age; and,
4. Have a good level of English language; and,
5. Be based in Cyprus; and,
6. Hold necessary documentation to travel across Cyprus.
Exclusion Criteria
The following applications will be ineligible for evaluation:
1.Applications from previous Su4P programme winners (teams & individuals).
2.Applications with business ideas that are not legal and above board.
Important Note: 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. Also, note that the priority may be given to those that did not participate in the previous Su4P Programmes.
Evaluation Criteria
Cooperation Criteria (30%)
The business idea / business must aim to be operational across Cyprus and preferably global and demonstrate the bicommunal nature of the project. The business follows the objectives of increasing co-operation between the Turkish Cypriot and the Greek Cypriot communities or business ideas taking into consideration opportunities of operating in a cross-community environment.
Business Criteria (70%)
“The business idea / business must…”
1. Be innovative (Max. 10%)
2.Demonstrate a clear value proposition / clear benefit to the customer (Max. 10%)
3.Have identified a target market and significant market opportunity (Max. 10%)
4.Demonstrate growth potential (Max. 10%)
5.Have a strong support network and have potential to create employment (Max. 10%)
6.Ensure that the product/service is commercialised or is capable of commercialisation (Max. 10%)
7.Team background and experience (Max. 10%)
Programme Outline & Timeline
INFO SESSIONS
11 July 2024 – 18:00- 20:00
eunite:SME – EU Business Hive Office
17 July 2024 – 19:00- 20:00
CyprusInno
25 July 2024 – 14:00-16:00
CYENS
Su4P 2024 Application Period | 27 June – 12 August 2024 |
Deadline for Applications | 12 August 2024 |
Request for Clarifications | 29 July 2024 |
Bootcamp 1 | 6 and 7 September 2024 (Kyrenia) |
Bootcamp 2 | 4 and 5 October 2024 (Agros, Limassol) |
Mentoring & Market Discovery | 9 September – 5 October 2024 |
Pitching Battle | 11 October 2024 |
SLUSH and Finnish Startup Ecosystem Discovery |
Travel dates: 18 – 24 November |
Programme Outline & Timeline
INFO SESSIONS
11 July 2024 , 18:00- 20:00 – eunite:SME – EU Business Hive Office
17 July 2024 – details tbc
25 July 2024 – details tbc
27 June – 12 August 2024
Su4P 2024 Application Period
12 August 2024
Deadline for Applications
29 July 2024
Request for Clarifications
6 and 7 September 2024 (Kyrenia)
Bootcamp 1
4 and 5 October 2024 (Agros, Limassol)
Bootcamp 2
9 September – 5 October 2024
Mentoring & Market Discovery
11 October 2024
Pitching Battle
Slush 2024: 20 & 21 November 2024
Travel dates: 18 – 24 November
SLUSH and Finnish Startup Ecosystem Discovery
🎉 Announcing the 2024 Su4P Programme Winners! 🎉
Big congratulations to:
⭐️ Complivio
⭐️ Neema Labs
⭐️ Vevivo
These teams will get the amazing chance to attend Slush 2024 this November, where they'll meet investors and connect with innovators from around the world. It’s a great opportunity to grow their ideas and take them to the next level! 🚀
Stay tuned for more updates as they take their next big step forward! 🌟
FAQ
Applicants are requested to submit the Application form which can be accessed online by clicking on this link by 12 August 2024.
For further questions, applicants can contact info@eunite-cyprus.eu and/or +90 548 829 24 34 up until 29 July 2024. 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 for a startup or business idea.
Up to 2 representatives from each startup will join the bootcamps.
No, it is not compulsory to apply with a bi-communal startup/business idea. However, please note that 30% of the evaluation criteria is dedicated for “Cooperation” aspect of your application.
No. As per the essential criteria, the applicant must be;
- an owner/founder of the business; OR,
- an entrepreneur at pre-startup stage and must demonstrate they have 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!
The programme will be open to all sectors. Please note that applications with business ideas that are not legal and above board will be ineligible for evaluation.
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.
Get In Touch
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.