]PRESS RELEASE FROM
THE PRESS AND INFORMATION OFFICE
26 November, 2002
High Tech is already a reality in Cyprus
The Minister of Commerce,
Industry and Tourism will analyse the High Tech policy
of his Ministry at a Press Conference on Monday 2 December, 2002
After about four years of study, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MCIT) is in the pleasant position to make known that the High Tech is already a reality in Cyprus.
Following the commencement of operation in 2002 of the first High Tech Business Incubator by the incubator company “Promitheas Business Innovation Centre”, the competent evaluation committee has just completed the evaluation procedure for the selection of four new High Tech Business Incubators.
Within the context of the Programme for the Creation and Operation of Business Incubators, the MCIT published in March 2002 an announcement in the press requesting interested parties to submit proposals for participation in the above programme. As a result of this call for proposals, 10 applications were submitted.
After thorough evaluation of these applications by the Programme Evaluation Committee, based on prescribed criteria, the issue was discussed at a meeting chaired by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Mr. Nicos A. Rolandis, which was attended by the Permanent Secretary of MCIT, Mr. Sotiris Sotiriou, the Director of Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Olympia Stylianou and the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. George Michaeloudes. During the meeting, the decision of the Evaluation Committee for the selection of the following applicants was ratified:
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Cooperation of IMCS Intercollege Ltd and the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics. |
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Incubator for Cyprus Innovative Enterprises created by: |
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A. S. Cyprus College Ltd |
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RTD Talos Ltd |
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I.B.M. Italia S.P.A. |
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Spidernet Services Ltd |
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Science and Technology Park of Crete (STEP-C) |
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University of Cyprus |
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Webium Incubator Ltd, for the creation of which the following entities will cooperate: |
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Bank of Cyprus Ventures Ltd |
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Emergo Cyprus Ltd |
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Dr. Savas Savvides |
The successful applicants will sign a contract with MCIT for cooperation in the implementation of the Programme for the Creation of New Enterprises of High Technology and Innovation through the Institution of Business Incubators.
Based on this contract, the above applicants will undertake the creation of the necessary material and technical infrastructure (buildings and equipment) for the housing of scientists and the provision of assistance services to them in order to develop innovative ideas or research results into high tech products, which will be marketed in the international market through technological companies.
It is reminded that MCIT has already signed a Protocol for Cooperation in the field of High Technology with the Ministry of Development of Greece and also Memoranda of Understanding for Cooperation in the field of science and technology and information technology and services with the Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of India respectively. In October 2002, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, heading a delegation, visited the State University of New York at Albany where he signed an Agreement of Cooperation.
In addition, MCIT is in contact with the Ministry of Industry, Science and Technology of the Russian Federation for signing a cooperation protocol in the field of technology. Also MCIT is in contact with the University of South California with regards to a possible cooperation in the field of technology.
On Monday 2 December, 2002 at 12.00, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Mr. Nicos A. Rolandis will analyse at a press conference the High Tech policy of his Ministry and the relevant planned activities.