She was addressing the local European Space Agency`s space start-ups competition `Act In Space` that is taking place in Cyprus for the first time.

The organiser of the competition is the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO). The competition takes place in 20 countries.

“Cyprus wants to be part of the space development and benefit from the space systems that are today essential for the wellbeing and security of the European citizens. The Republic of Cyprus is thus actively supporting the efforts concerning the use of space related technologies and applications,” the minister said, adding that during the last years, the government has developed the necessary structures and procedures in order to actively participate in the European Space Policy.

She also said that the ministry has decided to apply for membership in the UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space known as COPUOS.

In addition, she said that the ministry is preparing the National Space Strategy and is considering the possibility of increasing Cyprus’ subscription to the ESA to give the opportunity to a larger number of researchers to be funded by the Agency’s plan for European Corporate State (PECS).

“Small states can, through targeted strategy, excel in this area as well and this is the purpose of Cyprus to excel in the space sector and bring growth to the island”.

In his speech, CSEO chairman Giorgos Danos said that when they first started the organisation five years ago they had a vision, which was to launch Cyprus into the space era because of their faith in the country’s potential.

“When we first started in 2013 five years ago we set a bold goal to launch Cyprus into the space era,” he said and recalled CSEO’s recent successes with first prizes at NASA competitions saying “that is why we invest in our youth.”

Danos added that with this competition “we will promote technological innovation in Cyprus and form innovative start-ups in the top high-tech space sector, giving opportunities to the new generation and placing Cyprus dynamically in this captivating field”.

More information about the competition: https://actinspace.org/country/cyprus

Source: Cyprus Mail