The Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Co-operation in Cyprus continue to demonstrate the power of collaboration between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs.
On 8th June 2026, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, through the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, will award €500,000 to nine outstanding bi-communal business partnerships, bringing the Foundation’s total support for bi-communal cooperation to €5.3 million since 2009.
The award ceremony will take place in the presence of President Nikos Christodoulides. The awards recognize entrepreneurs who are creating opportunities, driving innovation, and strengthening cooperation across Cyprus.
🏆 Gold Award – €150,000
• Steven Stavrou & Burak Doluay
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 honor 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 Awards – €100,000 per team
• Michalis Pantelides & Arif Cebeci
They combined their passion for music and craftsmanship through the production of handmade violins and the restoration of antique musical instruments.
“We are deeply honored 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 honor to receive an award from the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation for the second consecutive year. Being recognized 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
🥉 Bronze Awards – €25,000 per team
• Andreas Zachariou & Hakan Goksan
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 honored to receive the Bronze Award at the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards 2026. This distinction recognizes 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”
• 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.facebook.com/people/SEDO-ice-cream-house/100063578738044/#
They developed a partnership in the production and sale of cakes and ice cream.
“It is a great honor 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
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”.
From technology and sustainability to manufacturing, culture, food production, and the creative industries, these partnerships demonstrate how entrepreneurship can create meaningful connections, shared opportunities, and lasting impact.
These 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.
Congratulations to all the winners and participants for helping shape a more prosperous and connected future for Cyprus.