The Limassol Chamber Commerce and
Industry (LCCI) is participating as a partner in the project MARITEC-X (Marine and Maritime Research, Innovation, Technology Centre of Excellence), which is
implemented under the well-known HORIZON
2020 - Teaming for Excellence, one
of the most competitive funding tools of the European Union. The project has
been given the green light for funding following a 2-year competitive process starting
from submission date, successfully passing two different evaluation phases. From
a total of 208 submitted proposals, MaRITeC-X ranked 1st amongst the Cypriot
proposals and 3rd at European level. Our Chamber is partner of the
project consortium, which aims to establish a Cyprus-based Centre of Excellence,
to operate based on productivity and dissemination of scientific and business
innovation patents in the marine and maritime sector in the wider Eastern
Mediterranean. The Centre envisions to
be harmonized with Smart Specialization Strategy for Cyprus,
giving emphasis on priority sectors such as energy, transport, information
communication and technology (ICT), environment and social challenges. We underline that this is the first substantial
support initiative of Blue Growth which enhances the ecosystem of this sector
in our country. This contributes to the upgrade of services which are offered
in the wider sector of Blue Economy by providing a complete product. Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI)
MARITEC-X project is evolving and it
has been renamed to Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute. The total funding of
the project is up to €30 million; €15
million is funded by the EU and €15 million comes from Republic of Cyprus
funding. CMMI has officially started its operation on the 1st
October 2019 and it is operating as an independent organization, which is
managed by a board of directors, for the fulfilment of its targets. A
representative of LCCI is participating on the CMMI’s board of directors. Regarding
the development process of the project, it is expected to create new high-value
facilities, such as modern and innovative laboratories and infrastructures to
support research and development of cutting-edge technologies on land and sea, both
in Larnaca and Limassol within the next two or three years. It is important
that dozens of quality jobs will be offered by utilizing a significant number
of scientists. This local research and innovation center will leverage national
marine and maritime wealth. It will also promote the country's scientific and
economic development, which now scores below the European average on research
and innovation indicators. CMMI’s
main targets that are going to be fulfilled in the second stage until 2030 can
be classified in three specific pillars: Pillar 1: Recruitment of Critical Group
of People. The first pillar aim is to hire a group of
academics, researchers and specialized practitioners who can unlock and exploit
existing and new scientific opportunities. The recruitment of such a group, in
combination with carefully designed infrastructure, expertise and availability,
can turn Cyprus into a local leader in marine and maritime research and
innovation in the eastern Mediterranean region. Pillar 2: Thriving Blue Economy. The second pillar focuses on the establishment of a thriving marine
ecosystem of circular economy, where local economic actors, such as small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups and industry, can exploit market
opportunities to achieve economic as well as competitive growth. Pillar 3: Society and Marine Life. The third pillar aims to increase social engagement with marine life,
promoting the marine heritage of the island of Cyprus. Mobilizing social
institutions to embrace and promote our maritime identity will create awareness
of the benefits, whether economic or non-economic, of engaging in the sea (e.g.
eating, climate change, health and wellness). In particular, CMMI has the following objectives under
the aforementioned pillars: • International recognition of Cyprus as centre
of Blue Growth Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Eastern
Mediterranean. • Affordable access to technologies and
innovations in Cyprus marine and maritime industry. • Creation and support of new innovative
technology companies and start-ups with international activity. • Strengthen relations between industry and
the academic community. •Strengthen relations with countries outside
the European region, acting as a bridge of technology and innovation. • Attract foreign investment in marine and maritime
technology activities. • Support for future creation of educational
institutions related to MaRITeC-X, such as maritime architecture, marine
technology and biology departments. • Create jobs for Cypriot researchers,
scientists and professionals. For more information: www.cmmi.blue The consortium consists of important organizations in Cyprus and abroad:
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