**Cyens Excellence Centre Shortlisted for EU Award**
The transformation of Nicosia's historic municipal market into a modern research and innovation hub has garnered significant recognition, as it has been shortlisted as one of Europe's top 25 social cohesion projects for 2026. The announcement was made by the finance ministry on Monday, highlighting the project's selection for the final phase of the prestigious Regiostars Awards 2026.
This initiative, which is part of the Thalia 2021-2027 programme, has been co-funded by the European Union, the Republic of Cyprus, and the Nicosia municipality. The Cyens Hub Nicosia, which serves as the headquarters for the Cyens excellence centre, was one of 274 candidates from across Europe competing in the A Competitive and Smart Europe category.
The finalists will have the opportunity to present their projects to a panel of judges in Brussels on October 13, coinciding with the European Week of Regions and Cities. The winners across five categories, along with a public choice award, will be announced the following day, October 14.
Anthi Philippidou, the development director, emphasized the significance of this recognition, stating, “This distinction is an important European acknowledgement for a project that combines preserving architectural heritage with urban revitalisation, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.”
The project represents a substantial investment of €7.8 million, which has successfully transformed the historical building located within the walled old town of Nicosia. The renovation not only preserved the architectural character of this emblematic structure but also integrated modern design and operational features to cater to the requirements of an international research and innovation centre.
In addition to preserving historical elements, the project has created new avenues for collaboration among researchers, universities, businesses, and the community. It has also led to job creation and fostered partnerships with other innovative initiatives. The facilities within the centre include research laboratories, seminar rooms, multimedia studios, exhibition spaces, and specialized infrastructure designed to support research, technological development, and innovative enterprises.
This initiative is a key component of the urban development strategy for Nicosia, showcasing how EU investments in social cohesion can effectively link the protection of cultural heritage with innovation, economic growth, and sustainable revitalization. The Cyens excellence centre is integral to the Nicosia municipality's Creative Business Neighbourhood initiative, which aims to revitalize the walled city and position the capital as a regional hub for creativity, technological advancement, and entrepreneurship.
The Cyens excellence centre is the result of collaborative efforts involving several esteemed institutions, including the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak), the Open University, University College London, and the Max Planck Institute. It focuses on interactive media, smart systems, and emerging technologies, engaging in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, cultural technology, and user experience. The centre serves as a vital intersection for research, business, and societal engagement, reinforcing its role in advancing innovation in Cyprus and beyond.
As the project moves forward in the Regiostars Awards, it stands as a testament to the potential of integrating historical preservation with modern innovation, offering a model for similar initiatives across Europe.