Microsoft and European University Cyprus are pleased to announce the grand opening of the Microsoft Innovation Center in Cyprus which is located at European University Cyprus. The official inauguration ceremony will be carried out by his Excellency, the president of the republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades on the 23rd of June at 19.00 On behalf of Microsoft; Mr. Don Grantham President of Microsoft Central and Eastern Europe will be attending the official opening of the Microsoft Innovation Center at EUC.
What is a Microsoft Innovation Center (MIC)?
A Microsoft Innovation Center (MIC) is a technical facility where government, academic, and industry participants collaborate on research, technology, and software solutions. MICs provide programs and services that foster innovation and grow sustainable local software economies. Microsoft and its partners in each community work together to operate these MICs. Partners include universities that produce skilled professionals, along with local governments that form institutions to make doing business easier. MICs are open to students, professional software developers, IT pros, entrepreneurs, and academic researchers. Although each center tunes its programs to local needs, all MICs work with the local community to accelerate technology advances and stimulate local software economies through skills and professional training, industry partnerships, and innovation.
Through the MIC, organizations can run technical training, workshops, and seminars for students, startups, and developers as well as access expertise and resources that support prototyping new solutions, testing existing applications, incubating new ideas, and starting apps-based businesses. Via strong and formal alliances with government, industry, and academia, MICs are always the result of a partnership between Microsoft and key stakeholders in the local software economy. We work together to create new jobs, companies, and solutions that drive innovation.
Facts about Microsoft Innovation Centers
The first MIC was launched in December 2002. More than 110 centers operate in 38 countries and the majorities (approximately 75 percent) are associated with government agencies. The MICs have helped more than 500,000 technology professionals get certified, assisted in creating over 3200 companies, helped partners develop and publish more than 9,000 apps since 2011 and more importantly have engaged 650,000 people and trained 300,000 people in the last two years.
Microsoft Innovation Center in Cyprus
Microsoft has partnered with European University Cyprus which is one of the Laureate International Universities, the world's largest higher education network with 80 universities in 29 countries and over 1,000,000 students. European University Cyprus joined the Laureate network in 2005 and has earned a reputation for excellence in teaching, innovation and research. European University is imbued with a strong commitment to academic integrity, community outreach and life-long learning as it continuously strives to be Here for Good. The establishment of the Microsoft Innovation Center is of major importance to both Microsoft and European University Cyprus as it will have an enormous impact on students, faculty, IT professionals, researchers, the economy and society at large.
Corporate Partners of the Microsoft Innovation Center in Cyprus include: Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, the Cyprus Computer Society, CNP Asfalistiki and CNP Cyprialife, members of the CNP Cyprus Insurance Holdings Group, Cyta, Exxon Mobil, EY Cyprus, Gnomi Communication Consultants, Headcandy, IN Business magazine, Laureate International Universities, Logicom Solutions and NetU.
Details of Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony of the Microsoft Innovation Center will take place on the 23rd of June at 19.00 at the European University Cyprus Cultural Center. Anyone who wishes to attend the official inauguration ceremony can register their attendance by clicking the link below (it is crucial to confirm your participation):
http://www.imhbusiness.com/el/microsoft-innovation-center-opening-ceremony#εγγραφη
Watch live here.