The Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr Nikodemos Damianou, is travelling to the United States of America (USA) today, following an invitation from the leadership of the international innovation network Plug and Play, to take part in the Plug and Play Silicon Valley Winter Summit, which will take place from 3 to 5 November 2026, in California. The Deputy Minister is accompanied by the Director-General of the Research and Innovation Foundation, Theodoros Loukaides.
According to a statement from the Deputy Ministry, the visit forms part of the Government’s wider effort to promote and highlight Cyprus as a regional centre for innovation and technology, strengthen the outward-looking nature of the Cypriot ecosystem, and foster new business and investment partnerships with the US.
As reported, during the Summit, the Deputy Minister will meet with Saeed Amidi, founder and CEO of Plug and Play, with a focus on further developing cooperation with Cyprus and capitalising on the opportunities offered by the organisation’s international network to connect Cypriot start-ups and innovative businesses with investors, business partners and international markets.
The official programme of the Summit also includes the ‘Cyprus and Innovation’ round-table event, organised by Cyprus Catalyst, attended by the Deputy Minister, as well as scientists and professionals from the Cypriot community in the USA. The discussion will focus on the progress and prospects of the Cypriot research, innovation and technology ecosystem, as well as on the role that the Cypriot diaspora can play in its further development and international promotion.
During his stay in the USA, the Deputy Minister will also hold a number of meetings with business bodies and organisations to explore new opportunities for cooperation in the fields of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, and will return to Cyprus on Friday, 6 November 2026.