With a steadfast commitment to cooperation, coexistence, and a shared vision for the future of Cyprus, the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Co-operation in Cyprus 2026 were presented on Monday, 8 June 2026.
For the 16th consecutive year, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of the easy family of brands (www.easy.com & www.easyhistory.info), founder and chairman of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation (www.steliosfoundation.com.cy), awarded nine bi-communal business partnerships comprising nine Greek Cypriot and nine Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs. This year’s awards once again highlighted the vital role of entrepreneurship in creating new opportunities, fostering growth, and promoting a shared future for both communities in Cyprus.
The award ceremony, held at the Headquarters of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation in Nicosia, was attended by the President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Cyprus, Mr Khassim Diagne, recognising the institution’s longstanding contribution to strengthening entrepreneurship and cooperation across Cyprus.
This year’s total prize fund amounts to €500,000, bringing the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation’s overall contribution towards fostering cooperation and shared economic development between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to €5.3 million since the launch of the initiative in 2009.
The enduring appeal and impact of the awards are reflected in the strong participation recorded once again this year. A total of 78 Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs, forming 39 bi-communal business teams, submitted joint applications for the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Co-operation in Cyprus 2026.
Half a Million Euros Awarded to 18 Winners
The nine-winning bi-communal business teams share prize money totalling €500,000 as follows:
• The Gold Award Winner received €150,000, with €75,000 allocated to each entrepreneur.
• The Silver Award, with a total value of €200,000, was shared by two teams. Each Silver-winning team will receive €100,000, equivalent to €50,000 per entrepreneur.
• The Bronze Awards, amounting to a total of €150,000, was presented to six teams. Each team will receive €25,000, equivalent to €12,500 per entrepreneur.
Congratulating the winners and all participants, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou stated: “The Stelios Bi-Communal Awards are far more than a business initiative. They are living proof that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can work together, create together, and succeed together. Every joint venture born through this initiative serves as a genuine bridge of communication, trust, and progress between the two communities of Cyprus. This year’s winners send a powerful message of optimism and opportunity, demonstrating that cooperation can overcome decades of stereotypes and barriers while creating real prospects for growth and prosperity. I am particularly proud that, for the past 16 years, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation has actively supported these partnerships, investing in people who choose to build bridges rather than walls. I firmly believe that the future of Cyprus belongs to those who dare to create opportunities, invest, and prosper together”.
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, stated that the Stelios Bi-Communal Business Cooperation Awards constitute a long-standing institution whose essence lies in the transformative power of cooperation and peaceful coexistence. President Christodoulides added that the bi-communal awards shed light on the future that Cyprus deserves and that we envision: a future of reunification and co-creation among all Cypriots, within the great European family to which they belong. He further noted that the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Cooperation represent a major celebration of the spirit of cooperation, mutual trust, and shared purpose between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, demonstrating in practice what can be achieved when there is a common vision for the future. These awards, he underlined, are a symbol of hope and a testament to what can be achieved through the collective pursuit of a reunited, prosperous, and European Cyprus, for our children and for future generations.
Meet the Winners of the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards 2026
Gold Award
Steven Stavrou & Burak Doluay – www.socialtechlab.org
They founded SocialTech Lab to leverage tools that promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology while fostering a culture of collaboration and communication.
“It is a tremendous honour to be named the Gold Winners of the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Cooperation in Cyprus 2026. These awards have
played a transformative role in bi-communal business collaboration in Cyprus, creating opportunities for people like us to build, create, and grow beyond the boundaries of our communities. We are especially excited because we intend to dedicate our Gold Award to establishing a Venture Builder that will host a cohort of Cypriot start-ups from both communities, providing tailored training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and seed funding to help bring their ideas to life. We are deeply grateful for the support of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation and hope that our use of this award will inspire even more bi-communal collaborations across the island, create new jobs, and strengthen the innovation ecosystem developing in Cyprus”.
Silver Award
Michalis Pantelides & Arif Cebeci – www.mpviolins.com
They combined their passion for music and craftsmanship through the production of handmade violins and the restoration of antique musical instruments.
“We are deeply honoured to receive this distinction at the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards 2026. This recognition reflects the power of collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared vision between our communities through culture, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship.
Through our partnership, we remain committed to preserving the traditional art of violin making and creating instruments that will inspire and serve future generations of musicians”.
Demetris Ellinas & Memduh Aybar – www.dellinas.eu & www.sibaltd.com
They developed a partnership in the sale of PVC HVAC grille systems and building façade solutions.
“It is a great honour to receive an award from the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation for the second consecutive year. Being recognised among such inspiring entrepreneurs and businesses is something we truly value and take great pride in. The Stelios Bi-Communal Awards provide an important platform that brings the two communities closer together through entrepreneurship, innovation, and a shared vision. Their continued support gives us the confidence to think bigger and move boldly into the next stage of our journey together”.
Bronze Award
Andreas Zachariou & Hakan Goksan: https://kazoil.com.cy/
Their company focuses on the collection and export of used cooking oil.
“As A.G. Biofuels Initiative Cy Ltd and Denaz Trading Ltd, we are greatly honoured to receive the Bronze Award at the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards 2026. This distinction recognises six years of collaboration built on a shared vision and mutual trust. We sincerely thank the Stelios Foundation for this important award, which provides even greater motivation to continue building a future
of shared progress and sustainable development.”
Georgios Papadikos & Huseyin Yavuzkur – https://www.papadikosfishmarket.com/
Their company is active in the export and trade of fresh fish throughout Cyprus.
“We are truly grateful to receive the Bronze Award at the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards 2026. This award is meaningful recognition of the value of cooperation, trust, and friendship between our two communities.
Our journey together has demonstrated how shared goals can create a positive impact. We warmly thank the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation and everyone who has supported and encouraged us along the way”.
George Tryfilis & Havva Gules – https://playersroomandlounge.com/
Their business operates in the trading of goods and services and the rental of venues for sports activities and events.
“This award represents a tremendous opportunity for both of us. We are deeply grateful to Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou for his 16 years of dedication to the Bi-Communal Awards, which build bridges between our communities through entrepreneurship and cooperation. This is why
we work together and will continue to do so, empowering younger generations through sport and the arts. We have chosen to reinvest this award in a bi-communal film production that will showcase what we can achieve when we are united”.
Christos Vasiliou & Hakan Agit – https://www.sedoicecream.com/
They developed a partnership in the production and sale of cakes and ice cream.
“It is a great honour to receive this award as a bi-communal team. Our ice cream business is closely connected to Cyprus’ rich heritage, shared by both communities. This recognition means a great deal to us, as it reflects the values of cooperation, culture, and stronger human connections through something meaningful and joyful”.
Georgios Anagiotos & Omer Evre – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13586584/
Their shared passion for theatre and cinema led them to establish a film production company together.
“We may live in two different communities, but cinema brings us together. We are proud to tell Cyprus’ stories to international audiences through our lens, with productions such as The Secret on the Canvas. We believe that cinema has the power to unite people and give voice to the stories of a place. This recognition is truly significant for us, and your support through this award gives us even greater motivation to pursue larger joint productions in the future”.
Katerina Loizou & Mustafa Afsaroglu – https://pit-to-table.com/
Their company focuses on producing decorative surfaces from agricultural waste.
“Receiving this award at the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards marks an important milestone for us. It strengthens our belief in the work we do, bringing the two communities closer together through a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability. This award encourages us to continue creating, collaborating, and moving forward while remaining dedicated to our mission: positioning Cyprus as a dynamic global example of modern and sustainable solutions”.
You can watch the awards ceremony on YouTube HERE
