The project to convert the Old Municipal Market of Nicosia into a Research and Innovation Center, which was implemented as part of the Cohesion Policy Program “THALIA 2021–2027,” co-financed by the European Union, the Republic of Cyprus, and the Municipality of Nicosia, and which today serves as the permanent headquarters of the CYENS Center of Excellence, is vying for a European distinction at the REGIOSTARS Awards.
The “CYENS Hub Nicosia,” competing in the category “A Competitive and Smart Europe,” has made it to the final 25, selected from among 274 nominations from across Europe. The REGIOSTARS Awards are an annual European initiative that recognizes innovative Cohesion Policy projects with a significant impact on European regions and citizens.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
As part of the 2026 REGIOSTARS Awards, a total of six prizes will be awarded: five by the jury, one for each competition category, and the Public Choice Award, which will be determined by a Europe-wide vote. The 25 finalists will present their projects to the jury and the public on October 13, 2026, as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels, and the winners will be announced on October 14.
Voting for the People’s Choice Award
From September 3 to October 14, 2026, citizens across Europe can support the Cypriot nomination by voting online for the CYENS Hub Nicosia via the official REGIOSTARS website. The project that receives the most votes will win the People’s Choice Award, giving Cyprus the opportunity to earn a significant European distinction.
In a statement, Anthi Filippidou, Director of Development at the General Directorate of Development of the Ministry of Finance, Managing Authority of the “THALIA 2021–2027” Cohesion Policy Program, stated: “The presence of CYENS Hub Nicosia in the final phase of the REGIOSTARS Awards 2026 is an important opportunity to showcase at the European level a project that has breathed new life into a historic building in Nicosia, transforming it into a modern hub for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It is a prime example of how funding from the “Thalεια 2021–2027” Program can be channeled into projects that bring tangible benefits to the city, the economy, and society. We call on citizens to support CYENS Hub Nicosia with their vote for the People’s Choice Award and, in doing so, to support Cyprus’s bid to secure a significant European distinction.”
From the Old Municipal Market to a Hub of Innovation
With an investment of €7.8 million, the Old Municipal Market of Nicosia was transformed from a historic landmark within the city walls into a modern ecosystem of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The restoration preserved the historic character of this iconic building while incorporating modern architectural and functional standards. Today, it serves as the permanent headquarters of the CYENS Center of Excellence, featuring research laboratories, collaboration spaces, multimedia studios, and specialized infrastructure that support research, technological development, and the creation of innovative businesses.
The project is part of the Integrated Territorial Development Strategy for the Nicosia urban area and lies at the heart of the Nicosia Municipality’s “Creative Enterprises District,” which aims to establish the capital as a hub for creativity, technological development, and entrepreneurship.
The Center of Excellence is a collaboration between the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus University of Technology, the Open University of Cyprus, University College London (UCL), and the Max Planck Institute, and is active in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, cultural technology, and user experience.
Let’s vote for CYENS Hub Nicosia—let’s support Cyprus’s nomination for REGIOSTARS 2026.
