Cyprus startups invited to MWC Open Innovation Challenge 2026
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Cyprus has issued an invitation for local small and medium-sized enterprises and startups to participate in the upcoming MWC Open Innovation Challenge 2026.
This international business matchmaking event is organised by ACCIÓ, a department of the Catalan Government’s Ministry of Enterprise and Labour.
The invitation was circulated in Cyprus by the local chamber of commerce, who serves as the coordinator of EEN on the island.
The initiative aims to bring together corporates, investors, and technology providers to co-create solutions for real-world technological needs within the framework of the MWC and 4YFN Barcelona congress.
Participants have the flexibility to choose between physical attendance, online participation, or a hybrid format based on their individual availability and business goals.
The physical B2B meetings are scheduled to take place from March 2, 2026, to March 5, 2026, at the 4YFN Congress in Barcelona, specifically at the ACCIÓ Stand in Hall 8.
These onsite sessions will be held exclusively between the corporates owning the challenges and the technology providers offering potential solutions.
For those unable to travel to Spain, online B2B meetings will be held via the b2match platform from March 9, 2026, to March 13, 2026.
The event offers a unique opportunity for Cypriot startups to connect with large international companies and public entities that are actively seeking innovative technologies.
Participation in the challenge is free of charge, and attendees will receive a personalised meeting agenda designed to match their specific technological skills and interests.
The meetings are structured as focused, 30-minute sessions intended to allow for a rapid assessment of collaboration potential based on concrete business needs.
Interested businesses must register as technology or solution providers and complete a comprehensive company profile to be considered for the matchmaking.
Registration rules specify that only one participant per company may register on the platform, although additional representatives are permitted to attend the actual meetings.
The profile must be clear and concise, featuring a short pitch, a professional biography, and a detailed list of the firm’s technological capabilities.
Once a profile has been validated, participants can begin requesting meetings with corporates whose published challenges align with their own innovation expertise.
Final acceptance and the scheduling of meetings are determined by the challenge-owning corporates who review the applicant profiles.
The full agenda and confirmed meeting times will be made available to participants under the “My Schedule” section of the digital platform, the organisers stated.