a pre-accelerator empowering young people across Cyprus to turn early-stage ideas into impact-driven ventures addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Description
The CyprusInno SDG Innovation Pre-Accelerator was an inter-communal youth entrepreneurship programme designed to support young innovators aged 18–35 with an idea or early-stage startup tackling global and island-wide challenges aligned with the SDGs.
Delivered by CyprusInno through The Base by CyprusInno, the programme combined in-person and virtual activities, blending ideation, business development, mentorship, and pitching. Participants from across Cyprus worked side by side to refine their ideas, build viable business models, and strengthen their capacity to create sustainable, socially impactful solutions. The programme also marked one of the first in-person innovation initiatives hosted at The Base in the UN Buffer Zone, creating a shared space for collaboration and dialogue.
Structure of the Programme
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Multi-phase pre-acceleration journey, supporting teams from idea submission to early validation
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Open call for SDG-focused ideas and startups from young innovators aged 18–35 across the island
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Expert evaluation and selection process, assessing feasibility, innovation, SDG impact, and team readiness
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Two-day intensive bootcamp, covering; Business model development, Leadership and team-building, Digital marketing fundamentals, Social impact measurement, Fundraising basics and legal considerations and Pitching and storytelling.
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Hands-on feedback and mentoring from entrepreneurs, legal experts, academics, and ecosystem leaders
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Ongoing post-programme support, including access to co-working space at The Base, mentorship, and ecosystem connections
Programme Impact
Supported 26 young innovators
in developing SDG-aligned entrepreneurial ideas
Enabled participants to
transform early concepts into structured, impact-oriented venture models
Strengthened skills in
entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, pitching, and impact thinking
Fostered meaningful inter-communal collaboration
by bringing together participants from across Cyprus
Activated The Base by CyprusInno
as a shared innovation space for collaboration within the United Nation’s Buffer Zone
Laid the groundwork for long-term startup development
through continued mentoring and ecosystem support
Ready to create impact together?
We’re always looking to partner with organisations and changemakers who share our vision for a more inclusive and innovative future. Book a call with us to explore how we can collaborate and grow impact side by side.