**Small Island, Global Science: Cyprus Biotech Pioneer Wins Top Award**
Cyprus-based biotech innovator Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades has achieved international recognition by being named the global winner of the 2026 Study UK Alumni Awards in the Business and Innovation category. This prestigious accolade, awarded by the British Council, places her among only four recipients worldwide this year.
Prokopi-Demetriades’ journey to this global honor began with her success at the national level, where she received the Business and Innovation award during a ceremony hosted by the British High Commissioner in Nicosia in April. Following this, she represented Europe as one of seven international finalists in her category, ultimately securing the global title.
The Study UK Alumni Awards, now in their 12th year, received over 1,800 applications from more than 120 countries, representing over 140 UK universities. From this competitive pool, only 28 candidates made it to the global finals, with one winner selected in each of the four award categories.
In her announcement of the award, Prokopi-Demetriades expressed her excitement and gratitude, stating, “Absolutely ecstatic and still trying to take this all in.” However, she emphasized that this recognition is not merely a celebration of her past accomplishments. “Recognition brings responsibility to keep building, to keep pushing boundaries in science and entrepreneurship, to create opportunities for others, and to show that meaningful biotech innovation can grow from a small country and reach far beyond its borders,” she remarked, acknowledging the challenges that come with such a journey.
The British Council highlighted Prokopi-Demetriades as a driving force in the biotech sector, noting her contributions to global health from her base in Cyprus. After returning to the island during the financial crisis, she co-founded several companies, including Theramir, Promed Bioscience, and RSL Revolutionary Labs. These ventures focus on advancing cancer therapeutics, developing medical biomaterials, and improving patient recovery processes. Collectively, her companies have raised over €8 million and established significant international commercial agreements, contributing to the growth of a biotech cluster in Cyprus that employs and trains scientists.
Theramir specializes in personalized cancer therapies and diagnostic platforms utilizing nanotechnology and microRNAs. Promed Bioscience is dedicated to developing medical-grade collagen and biomaterials for various applications in research and medicine. Meanwhile, RSL Revolutionary Labs focuses on creating specialized dermaceutical products designed to alleviate skin complications faced by oncology patients.
In addition to her entrepreneurial efforts, Prokopi-Demetriades has taken on a mentorship role, guiding over 200 young individuals in the field. The British Council commended her for demonstrating that world-class biotechnology can flourish in Cyprus through vision, perseverance, and purpose.
Her academic background includes studies at the University of Kent, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and King’s College London, where she completed her doctoral research in cardiovascular stem cell proteomics. Reflecting on her educational journey, Prokopi-Demetriades expressed her gratitude, stating, “My years studying in the UK shaped so much of the scientist, entrepreneur and person I became.”
Prokopi-Demetriades has previously been honored with several awards, including the 2024 Falling Walls Women’s Impact Award and the 2022 King’s Distinguished Alumni Award in STEM. She was also recognized among Forbes Cyprus’ 20 Women in Tech in 2023. In her acceptance speech, she congratulated the other global winners and finalists and expressed her eagerness to connect with them.
As she reflects on her recent achievement, Prokopi-Demetriades acknowledges the weight of the recognition, stating, “It represents not only an enormous surprise and privilege, but also a powerful responsibility to keep going, keep contributing and make this recognition count.” She concluded her remarks with a heartfelt expression of gratitude, saying, “Truly honoured. Deeply grateful. And absolutely ecstatic.”
Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades’ accomplishments not only highlight her individual success but also serve as an inspiration for the potential of biotechnology to thrive in smaller nations like Cyprus. Her commitment to innovation and mentorship continues to pave the way for future advancements in the field.