CYENS – Centre of Excellence

Where Research Meets Innovation

CYENS is a Center of Excellence committed to leading transformative research and innovation in the fields of Interactive Media, Smart Systems, and Emerging Technologies. Our mission is to push the boundaries of knowledge and technology, driving meaningful impact across academia, industry, and society. We cultivate a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment that encourages curiosity, experimentation, and excellence.

At CYENS, exploration is a mindset. We constantly seek new horizons in research, guided by the belief that innovation is sparked by the convergence of diverse perspectives. Collaboration lies at the heart of our work, as we bring together researchers, industry experts, and creative thinkers to tackle complex real-world challenges. Through this approach, we develop pioneering solutions and empower individuals and organizations to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

What we do

At CYENS, we beckon those aspiring to make a mark in the realms of Interactive Media, Smart Systems, and Emerging Technologies. While our pursuits span diverse research disciplines, we are bound by a collective mission and a shared sense of purpose: guided by the mantra ‘Inspired by Humans, Designed for Humans,’ we dedicate ourselves to generating world-class research that propels innovation for social and economic benefits. Our commitment extends to conducting outstanding, globally competitive scientific research in visual sciences, human factors and design, communication, and artificial intelligence.

In this vibrant atmosphere, we take pride in nurturing our team, exposing them to novel experiences, and supporting their growth, enabling them to shape the world through inventive, cutting-edge solutions. Here at CYENS, we foster a culture of boundless innovation and creativity within an inspiring, ever-learning environment. Surrounded by academics, researchers, creative minds, forward-thinking individuals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and practitioners, CYENS is more than a workplace — it’s a dynamic community propelling the forefront of technological advancement.

Research

RESEARCH

Applied Research & Publication

At the heart of our Centre lies a strong commitment to cutting-edge research. With over 15 active research groups, we lead innovation across a wide range of disciplines, driving projects that have real-world impact. Our work thrives on collaboration and is supported through private and European funding sources.

Innovation

INNOVATION

Innovation Services & Consultation

Innovation drives economic growth and fuels successful R&D, leading to better, more efficient, and competitive products. Its strategic importance spans all types of organizations—from start-ups to research institutions and government bodies. Yet, many face obstacles in funding or developing in-house innovation capabilities. Collaborative innovation (Co-innovation) offers a powerful alternative, providing access to expertise and resources through strategic partnerships.

Education

EDUCATION

Educational & Training Programs

At CYENS, education lies at the heart of innovation. With a specialised focus on Interactive Media, Smart Systems, and Emerging Technologies, we translate world-class research into practical skills and professional opportunities.

Our mission is to design learning experiences that integrate research, technology, and creativity. In collaboration with educators, researchers, technologists, and industry leaders, we offer trainings that reflect the frontiers of technological progress.

Prototypinh

PROTOTYPING

Design, Development & Prototyping

Innovation drives economic growth and fuels successful R&D, leading to better, more efficient, and competitive products. Its strategic importance spans all types of organizations—from start-ups to research institutions and government bodies. Yet, many face obstacles in funding or developing in-house innovation capabilities. Collaborative innovation (Co-innovation) offers a powerful alternative, providing access to expertise and resources through strategic partnerships.

Our Specialised Facilities

TECH-HUB

Co-Working, Office & Conference Space

Thinker Maker Space

A Multifunctional Creative Space

The Studio

Virtual Production Studio

Upcoming Events

WIP LAB 2026

WIP Arts & Technology Festival 2026 — June 2026 – Open Call Now Open!

WIP (Work in Progress) Arts & Technology Festival returns for its 5th edition, continuing to break new ground at the intersection of art,science & technology— and solidifying Cyprus as a reference point for creative innovation in the Eastern Mediterranean. Over 7,000 visitors came together at the festival’s last edition, experiencing dynamic exhibitions, performances, workshops, and talks that brought together international and local voices in arts and technology.

WIP 2026: Flows
Under the title Flows, WIP 2026 invites us to consider the world as a network of visible and invisible movements — of water and energy, data and ideas, culture and memory, and human and collective dynamics. From environmental pressures in the Mediterranean to the circulation of information across digital infrastructures, Flows explores how these currents shape the way we live, create, connect, and adapt.

Open Call — Join Us
We are now accepting proposals from artists, designers, scientists, technologists, and creative practitioners from around the world. Whether you work with exhibitions, performances, talks, or workshops, we invite submissions that reflect, critically engage, or imaginatively expand on the theme Flows.

Selected projects will be presented at the festival — taking place across venues in the historic centre of Nicosia and at the CYENS Centre of Excellence — and will be part of an immersive programme in June 2026.

Key Dates
Festival Opening: 16 – 25 October 2026
Deadline for Applications: 13 March 2026

Submit your proposal and be part of WIP 2026!

OPEN CALL

CLEVERFOOD For Everyone

The “CLEVERFOOD for everyone” exhibition is coming to CYENS Centre of Excellence in Nicosia, inviting visitors to explore how food connects to health, sustainability, innovation, and society.

This interactive travelling exhibition, part of the EU-funded CLEVERFOOD project, goes beyond information — it offers an engaging experience through 11 immersive exhibits designed to make complex food system challenges easier to understand. From production to consumption, visitors will discover how our everyday choices shape the future of food.

Location: STOA building, CYENS Centre of Excellence
20 March – 29 May 2026
Monday–Friday | 10:00–16:00

Alongside the exhibition, we will host educational workshops and interactive sessions. Follow CYENS on social media to stay updated on the full programme and opening details.

We look forward to welcoming schools, families, students, researchers, and anyone curious about building a healthier, more sustainable food system.

Hosted by CYENS Centre of Excellence, the Festival marks a milestone in embedding Cyprus into the European Research and Innovation ecosystem.

Upcoming Courses

Bridge the Gap Between Data & Decision-Making with Microsoft Power BI

Description: Each day, your enterprise generates vast amounts of data, ranging from sales revenue and marketing performance to customer interactions, employee satisfaction, inventory levels, expenses, and other critical KPIs. Leverage Microsoft Power BI, a leading self-service business intelligence tool known for its powerful and flexible data visualization capabilities, to uncover valuable insights within your data. Create and share dashboards, reports, and interactive visualizations that empower you to make more informed business decisions. This course is ideal for anyone interested in data analysis who wants to enhance their skills beyond Excel spreadsheets. Power BI is celebrated for its user-friendly learning curve, with a low-code environment that enables non-technical employees to build interactive reports and dashboards.

Participants’ profile: This training is addressed to analysts, data analysts/scientists, managers, marketing and sales professionals, finance and HR staff, and non-technical employees who want to enhance their data analysis and visualization skills beyond Excel, using an intuitive, low-code tool for creating interactive reports and dashboards.

Instructor: Sophia Koni
Language: Greek or English

REGISTER HERE

AI for Education and Educators

Description: In the rapidly evolving educational landscape, it is essential for educators to remain up to date with technological developments that can enhance teaching and learning processes. Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides significant opportunities for modernising educational practices by offering innovative solutions in curriculum design, personalised learning, and student assessment.
However, many educators lack the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively integrate AI tools into their teaching methodologies. This gap may result in missed opportunities to improve learning outcomes and optimise educational processes.
This comprehensive training programme is designed to equip educators with both theoretical understanding and practical skills to confidently integrate Artificial Intelligence into the educational environment.

Participants’ profile: The programme is primarily addressed to primary and secondary school teachers, university academics, trainers, lifelong learning educators, education and training unit managers, teacher trainers, educational consultants, specialists in assessment methodologies, and educational content development experts.
Format: In person at CYENS Centre of Excellence, Nicosia

Total training hours: 6 hours (2 days)

Language of instruction: Greek

REGISTER HERE

ChatGPT and AI for Productivity

Introduction to GenAI Tools and ChatGPT for Productivity

Description: As technology evolves at a rapid pace, maintaining competitiveness requires continuous adaptation and upskilling. This training programme is designed to equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively leverage Artificial Intelligence tools in their daily activities, including ChatGPT and other Generative AI (GenAI) platforms.
Participants will learn how to generate different types of content, optimise workflows, automate routine tasks, and improve productivity using AI tools. The programme combines theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on exercises, enabling participants to confidently integrate GenAI tools into their professional environment.
The course is suitable for individuals with no prior experience in Artificial Intelligence tools and supports professionals in gaining a competitive advantage in an evolving digital landscape.

Participants’ profile: This training is addressed to personnel across different sectors, product managers, professionals, and employees who wish to enhance their productivity using ChatGPT and other GenAI tools. No previous AI experience is required.

Format Options:
Option 1: In person at CYENS CoE (March 2026)
Option 2: Online (March 2026)
Total training hours: 14
Language of instruction: English

REGISTER HERE

Bridge the Gap Between Data & Decision-Making with Microsoft Power BI

Description: Each day, your enterprise generates vast amounts of data, ranging from sales revenue and marketing performance to customer interactions, employee satisfaction, inventory levels, expenses, and other critical KPIs. Leverage Microsoft Power BI, a leading self-service business intelligence tool known for its powerful and flexible data visualization capabilities, to uncover valuable insights within your data. Create and share dashboards, reports, and interactive visualizations that empower you to make more informed business decisions. This course is ideal for anyone interested in data analysis who wants to enhance their skills beyond Excel spreadsheets. Power BI is celebrated for its user-friendly learning curve, with a low-code environment that enables non-technical employees to build interactive reports and dashboards.

Participants’ profile: This training is addressed to analysts, data analysts/scientists, managers, marketing and sales professionals, finance and HR staff, and non-technical employees who want to enhance their data analysis and visualization skills beyond Excel, using an intuitive, low-code tool for creating interactive reports and dashboards.

Instructor: Sophia Koni
Language: Greek or English

REGISTER HERE

ChatGPT and AI for Productivity

Introduction to GenAI Tools and ChatGPT for Productivity

Description: As technology evolves at a rapid pace, maintaining competitiveness requires continuous adaptation and upskilling. This training programme is designed to equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively leverage Artificial Intelligence tools in their daily activities, including ChatGPT and other Generative AI (GenAI) platforms.
Participants will learn how to generate different types of content, optimise workflows, automate routine tasks, and improve productivity using AI tools. The programme combines theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on exercises, enabling participants to confidently integrate GenAI tools into their professional environment.
The course is suitable for individuals with no prior experience in Artificial Intelligence tools and supports professionals in gaining a competitive advantage in an evolving digital landscape.

Participants’ profile: This training is addressed to personnel across different sectors, product managers, professionals, and employees who wish to enhance their productivity using ChatGPT and other GenAI tools. No previous AI experience is required.

Format Options:
Option 1: In person at CYENS CoE (March 2026)
Option 2: Online (March 2026)
Total training hours: 14
Language of instruction: English

REGISTER HERE