OEV and TechIsland to sign memorandum on technology and skills on 18 September

The Federation of Employers and Industrialists of Cyprus (OEV) and the technology companies association TechIsland will sign a memorandum of cooperation in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and professional skills development on 18 September. The ceremony will take place at 10:30.

According to reports, the agreement is intended to boost the competitiveness of the Cypriot economy through the wider adoption of technology and innovation in companies’ operations. After the signing, OEV President Georgios Pantelides and TechIsland President Valentinos Polycarpou will make statements.

TechIsland brings together technology companies operating in Cyprus and promotes the interests of the sector. The organisation recently launched the €2 million Wildfire Initiative programme to combat forest fires.

The programme was created following the fires of 2025, when flames destroyed more than 100 km² of forest and 191 homes in 15 villages, and two people died. “What began as an immediate response at a critical moment has developed into a long-term programme,” said Valentinos Polycarpou.

As part of the initiative, €450,000 was allocated to firefighting vehicles. In addition, the programme includes the SafeIsland CY mobile application for reporting signs of fire, satellite monitoring of areas and the use of drones for the early detection of fires.