Ιnauguration of the Microsoft Innovation Center
The inauguration of the Microsoft Innovation Center at European University Cyprus on Tuesday evening was described by government and private sector representatives as a landmark moment for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship in Cyprus. The Center was inaugurated by the Minister of Transport, Communication and Works Marios Demetriades in a ceremony attended by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy, the Minister of Defence, the president of Microsoft for Central and Eastern Europe Dan Grantham, members of the House of Representatives, academics, diplomats and leaders of the local business community.
In his opening address the Managing Director of European University Cyprus Christophoros Hadjikyprianou remarked that the Center would foster collaboration on innovative research and software solutions and would involve a combination of government, academic and industry participants. He pointed out that as innovation was the primary catalyst for sustainable economic growth and as universities become key drivers in economies, he was absolutely confident that the Microsoft Innovation Center, the European University Cyprus as well as Laureate International Universities “are going to be here for good”.
Microsoft’s Dan Grantham said the Center would aim to support a minimum of 70 start-ups in the first three years of operation and that Microsoft would constitute “a real partner” in Cyprus’ drive for growth. The Minister of Transport, Communication and Works Marios Demetriades, pointing to the Center’s aim to increase productivity within Cyprus by improving labour skill levels and bringing new software products and companies into both the local and global markets, said that the inauguration came to compliment the government’s own Digital Strategy at a time when the country was beginning to exit the economic crisis of recent years.
All speakers expressed their appreciation to Microsoft, the European University Cyprus, Laureate International Universities and the corporate sponsors for their support and participation in the initiative.