Cyprus Seeds- commercializing innovative academic research
Cyprus Seeds is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help commercialize innovative research out of Cypriot research institutions and universities. It runs an annual 18m programme which offers grants, mentoring, business skills training and networking with potential customers and investors. Cyprus Seeds is a national effort dedicated to creating value for Cyprus. It relies on the good will of generous donors who are looking to contribute to the welfare of the country.
The A. G. Leventis Foundation is one of the two anchor donors of Cyprus Seeds, since the launching of the programme in mid-2018. The support which the A. G. Leventis Foundation is giving follows the long tradition established by the Foundation in providing young people with the means and the tools to get access to education and skills that allow them to make a difference in the world.
During the 1st cycle of Cyprus Seeds (2019 - 2020), with the support of the A. G. Leventis Foundation, 7 research projects were funded in the areas of Health, Energy & Environment, Water Treatment, Devices & Materials, and ICT & Communication. Additionally, the Programme offered to the 7 grantees 6 Entrepreneurial Workshops, 3 Networking Events and a large number of Mentoring sessions with US based experienced mentors. The 1st Cyprus Seeds Innovation Showcase Event was also organized during which the 7 teams presented their novel technologies to private investors. The 1st cycle finished with the conclusion of an Option-to-be Licensing Agreement, which was signed by one of the projects supported by Cyprus Seeds and a big pharma company in the US, for the development of a gene therapy for inherited neuropathies.
In July 2023, Cyprus Seeds completed its 2nd cycle, which supported a total of 10 projects. One of the biggest achievements of the 2nd cycle are the spinning out of the University of Cyprus of 2 start-ups, one in the medical device sector and one in the solar energy sector, and the filing of 8 patents in the US.
In September 2022, Cyprus Seeds announced a competition call for applications for a 3rd cycle, which will run between January 2023 and June 2024. The A. G. Leventis Foundation will continue to support the programme and its 8 new Teams.
Grants given:
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
