Welcome Address by the Mayor of Nicosia
The Mayor of Nicosia opens INSPIRE 2025 with a heartfelt welcome, celebrating the city’s vibrant culture, creative talent, and bold vision for the future. This moment marks the beginning of a shared journey—where tradition meets innovation, and the spirit of Nicosia shines on a new stage.

What do top entrepreneurs have in common with world-class athletes, celebrated musicians, acclaimed actors, and visionary chefs? The paths may differ, but the mindset is often the same. Ambition, vision, perseverance, and relentless hard work are the universal traits that drive success—no matter the field.

On the Inspiration Stage, powerful stories and candid conversations with leading figures from the worlds of sports, music, theatre, television, and fashion will reveal what it takes to rise to the top. These are not just stories of fame and accomplishment—they are stories of discipline, passion, failure, and the courage to keep going. An uplifting session that proves success is a mindset, and inspiration can come from every corner of life.

What do top entrepreneurs have in common with world-class athletes, celebrated musicians, acclaimed actors, and visionary chefs? The paths may differ, but the mindset is often the same. Ambition, vision, perseverance, and relentless hard work are the universal traits that drive success—no matter the field.

On the Inspiration Stage, powerful stories and candid conversations with leading figures from the worlds of sports, music, theatre, television, and fashion will reveal what it takes to rise to the top. These are not just stories of fame and accomplishment—they are stories of discipline, passion, failure, and the courage to keep going. An uplifting session that proves success is a mindset, and inspiration can come from every corner of life.

What do top entrepreneurs have in common with athletes, artists, performers, chefs, and creators? The paths may differ, but the mindset is often the same. Ambition, vision, perseverance, and relentless hard work are the universal traits that drive success—no matter the field.

On the Inspiration Stage, powerful stories and candid conversations with leading figures from the worlds of sports, music, theatre, television, and fashion will reveal what it takes to rise to the top. These are not just stories of fame and accomplishment—they are stories of discipline, passion, failure, and the courage to keep going. An uplifting session that proves success is a mindset, and inspiration can come from every corner of life.

Inspiring personal stories of entrepreneurial success. Successful entrepreneurs from various countries describe their entrepreneurial journey and discuss what they are most proud of and why the joys of entrepreneurship continue to drive their passion.

Successful international entrepreneurs who established their companies in Cyprus talk about their personal and entrepreneurial stories. They describe their entrepreneurial journey, the ups and downs, the challenges and obstacles, the successes and failures, the lessons learned.

The stories of a handful of technology entrepreneurs whose mission is to turn Cyprus into a Global Technology and Innovation Hub and an international destination for Business Research (R&D), Innovation, Startups, and ICT Companies. Successful international technology entrepreneurs talk about their personal and entrepreneurial stories.

Entrepreneurs and leaders from across Cyprus’s economic landscape share what it truly means to be an innovative business in today’s world. This session dives into the heart of innovation—how companies are building cultures where creativity thrives, new ideas are encouraged, and experimentation is part of everyday work. From groundbreaking research to the implementation of forward-thinking processes, these organizations are proving that innovation isn’t just a strategy—it’s a mindset and a long-term value. Discover how Cypriot enterprises are redefining progress, shaping the future, and turning innovation into a lasting competitive advantage.

This isn’t your typical business gathering. Over cocktails, a dynamic mix of trailblazing entrepreneurs—both young disruptors and seasoned pros—alongside a few bold political figures, take on unexpected, thought-provoking questions that reveal the real people behind the titles. Honest, inspiring, and refreshingly fun, this session blends insight with personality in all the right ways. And when the conversation wraps? The energy turns up. Stay for more drinks and a DJ set to keep the vibes high and the night going strong.

Καλωσόρισμα
Σύντομη και ουσιαστική παρουσίαση του πλαισίου και του σκοπού της σκηνής στο πλαίσιο του Inspire 2025

Μια εμπνευσμένη αναφορά στο πώς το πρόγραμμα υποστηρίζει startups με ολιστική προσέγγιση: mentoring, εκπαίδευση, χρηματοδότηση, διασύνδεση με επενδυτές και αγορές.

Ιστορία επιτυχίας από ένα ελληνικό startup που διακρίθηκε, με ανθρώπινη προσέγγιση, αριθμούς και όραμα.

Μια συζήτηση με Κύπριους startup founders που υποστηρίχθηκαν από την τράπεζα ή σχετικούς φορείς, και έχουν να μοιραστούν εμπειρίες και προκλήσεις.

Tι κάνει ένα startup ελκυστικό σε επίπεδο αγοράς και κεφαλαίων

Ζούμε σε μια εποχή έντονου ανταγωνισμού και ραγδαίων εξελίξεων στην οικονομία και την αγορά εργασίας.  Η παγκοσμιοποίηση και οι εμπορικές αντιπαραθέσεις, ο ψηφιακός μετασχηματισμός, οι δημογραφικές αλλαγές, οι περιβαλλοντικές προκλήσεις και οι γεωπολιτικές εξελίξεις διαμορφώνουν ένα νέο τοπίο.  Το ανθρώπινο δυναμικό της Κύπρου είναι ο σημαντικότερος πόρος της οικονομίας μας και με τα κατάλληλα εφόδια μπορεί να αντιμετωπίσει τις συνεχώς μεταβαλλόμενες προκλήσεις.

Σας προσκαλούμε σε μια δυναμική συζήτηση για τα νέα επαγγέλματα και τις δεξιότητες που αναδύονται στην Κύπρο μέσα από τις αλλαγές στην ψηφιακή εποχή και την πράσινη μετάβαση.  Θα εξετάσουμε τις προοπτικές της αγοράς εργασίας, τις απαιτήσεις των εργοδοτών και τον ρόλο της Αρχής Ανάπτυξης Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού (ΑνΑΔ) στη διαμόρφωση των δεξιοτήτων του αύριο.

Θεματικές ενότητες:

• Το μέλλον της αγοράς εργασίας στην Κύπρο: Πώς να επιλέξεις καριέρα σε ένα κόσμο που αλλάζει;
• Ψηφιακές δεξιότητες και τεχνολογικός μετασχηματισμός: Ποιος ο ρόλος της τεχνητής νοημοσύνης και ποια είναι τα βασικά ψηφιακά εφόδια για το αύριο;
• Πράσινη οικονομία και βιώσιμη ανάπτυξη: Νέα επαγγέλματα και περιβαλλοντικές δεξιότητες για την ενέργεια, το περιβάλλον και την κυκλική οικονομία.
• STEM και καινοτομία: Προώθηση επαγγελμάτων στους τομείς της επιστήμης, τεχνολογίας, μηχανικής και των μαθηματικών.
• Το όραμα της ΑνΑΔ για την αναβάθμιση των γνώσεων και δεξιοτήτων του ανθρώπινου δυναμικού.

How does the new generation of business leaders view entrepreneurship in today’s world? In this forward-looking session, second, third, and fourth-generation Cypriot entrepreneurs share their unique perspectives on leadership, innovation, and the evolving landscape of business in Cyprus. Balancing tradition with transformation, they speak openly about the challenges they face, the values that guide them, and the ambitions that fuel their vision for the future. With a deep respect for the legacy they inherit and a strong desire to shape what comes next, these rising leaders offer a glimpse into the next era of Cypriot entrepreneurship—driven by purpose, fresh thinking, and bold ideas.

Succession is more than a transition—it’s a defining moment in the life of a business. In this unique and heartfelt session, current and next-generation leaders from Cypriot family businesses come together on stage to share their stories, hopes, and challenges as they navigate the path of continuity and change.Through open dialogue, they explore the complexities of leadership transition—honoring legacy while embracing innovation. They reflect on the emotional and strategic aspects of succession, tackle difficult questions, and reveal how shared vision and mutual respect can drive long-term growth.

Influential figures with a strong presence on social media—each a voice of authority in their own space, from politics and business to fashion and cooking—share how and why they shape public opinion. Whether professional influencers or passionate thought leaders, they reveal the strategies behind their influence and the values that guide their content. This session offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of modern influence—and what draws us to follow, engage, and be inspired.

Accomplished Cypriot professionals living and working abroad take us through their remarkable career journeys—the challenges they faced, the risks they took, and the determination it took to succeed far from home. With honesty and pride, they reflect on the obstacles they overcame, the lessons they learned, and the joy of achieving success on the global stage. These are powerful stories of ambition, resilience, and the enduring connection to their roots that continue to inspire their path forward.

The inspiring stories of Cypriot businesses that successfully expanded beyond the island’s borders and made their mark on international markets. These are the companies that broke boundaries, embraced global challenges, and proved that a local vision can lead to global success. A celebration of ambition, strategy, and the drive to grow beyond limits.

Entrepreneurs who have successfully exported their products and services beyond Cyprus share their journeys into some of the world’s largest and most competitive markets. They speak candidly about the immense effort, persistence, and strategic thinking required to stand out internationally—and what it takes to turn a local success story into a global one. A testament to ambition without borders.

Graduating high school students from across Cyprus take the stage to share their dreams, ambitions, and visions for the future. With fresh perspectives and fearless optimism, they speak about how they see entrepreneurship, what they hope to achieve, and the kind of Cyprus they want to help create. This session is a powerful reminder that talent has no age—and that the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow are already thinking big today. Hear from the voices of the next generation as they express what drives them and what they’re determined to change for the better.

Isometricks, the student company of the Experimental High School of the University of Macedonia, developed Wizzle—an entertaining math-based game with applications in both education and medicine. With impressive sales and high-profile partnerships—including the Hellenic Alzheimer’s Association and major museums—their innovation caught the attention of the World Health Organization and earned them the prestigious De la Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award. Their journey is a remarkable story of perseverance, creativity, and social impact—proving that play can indeed be serious business.

This panel brings student entrepreneurs together with established business leaders to show how today’s experience fuels tomorrow’s ambition. In a fast-paced conversation, speakers will dig into what sparks and sustains an entrepreneurial journey, compare hurdles then vs. now, and map where the next wave of innovation is breaking. Expect practical takeaways on the skills and values that matter—creativity, digital fluency, resilience, leadership—plus why impact and sustainability are essential. Beyond ideas, we’re building bridges: real connections with Cyprus’s business community so emerging entrepreneurs leave with new contacts, fresh momentum, and an action plan for the decade ahead.

• How does AI impact education and study methods
• AI and work- how to approach employment
• Practical advice for students—what micro-credentials matter, how to present AI-enabled achievements on a CV
• Guidance for employers on building trust with a workforce that values autonomy and social responsibility.
• AI and the future of Gen Z
• Not a black box that replaces human skill, but an evolving set of tools that magnify curiosity, creativity, and civic engagement

A celebration of the next generation of business leaders under 40 who are already making waves. These “Young Dragons” are not just promising professionals—they are ambitious, driven individuals who have shown exceptional talent, leadership, and a desire to create meaningful impact within their companies and beyond. In this energizing session, rising stars from across industries share their personal journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the values that fuel their ambition. From bold goals to powerful motivations, they offer insight into what it takes to stand out early in a career—and how they plan to shape the future of business with vision, passion, and purpose.

This isn’t your typical business gathering. Over cocktails, a dynamic mix of trailblazing entrepreneurs—both young disruptors and seasoned pros—alongside a few bold political figures, take on unexpected, thought-provoking questions that reveal the real people behind the titles. Honest, inspiring, and refreshingly fun, this session blends insight with personality in all the right ways. And when the conversation wraps? The energy turns up. Stay for more drinks and a DJ set to keep the vibes high and the night going strong.

Cyprus has made significant strides in building a startup ecosystem, yet challenges such as fragmentation, limited access to regional capital, and inconsistent policy frameworks persist. This panel brings together leaders from key accelerators, incubators, and government bodies to explore how Cyprus can strengthen collaboration, optimise resources, and establish itself as a serious innovation player.

With limited access to early-stage capital in Cyprus, understanding what investors look for is crucial for founder success. This session brings together investors to demystify investment criteria, common pitfalls, and how local startups can better position themselves for funding.

Even though business and sports may seem like entirely different worlds they are both driven by the same values: discipline and resilience. Through this discussion we will bring together two perspectives from both paths to explore how hardship can become a catalyst for growth and eventually lead to success. Through real stories of success, we will explore the tough lessons learned and the unexpected pivots, to the barriers that were broken along the way. Expect an honest conversation about what it really takes to succeed, especially in a market like Cyprus where each journey comes with its own set of unique challenges and opportunities.