ARIS, a Cyprus-based accelerator founded in partnership with Deloitte Cyprus, has announced a strategic shift to focus on promoting and empowering start-up and scale-up success stories.
Established in 2018 in Limassol, ARIS – now known as ARIS “A Really Inspiring Story” – offers a dedicated 26-week programme designed to support innovative enterprises with the tools, mentorship, and network needed to accelerate growth and create lasting impact.
Originally launched as “A Really Inspiring Space” and primarily recognised for its co-working environment, ARIS has evolved its mission significantly.
Today, it emphasises not only the provision of resources but also the amplification of each start-up’s unique journey, connecting them to a global ecosystem of innovators.
“ARIS now shifts its focus and efforts on showcasing and supporting inspiring stories of start-ups and scale-ups worldwide,” ARIS said in an official announcement.
To date, ARIS has successfully supported over 35 start-ups in their growth journeys, fostering collaborations with various stakeholders to strengthen the innovation culture in Cyprus.
This commitment was further bolstered by XM joining as ARIS’s main sponsor in October 2023, which has enhanced ARIS’s capacity to provide more comprehensive support to innovative enterprises.
The new 2024 cohort will welcome both start-ups and scale-ups with a clear focus on addressing today’s major global challenges.
Applicants must have “solid growth potential in the global market” and offer technology-based innovative products or services.
Start-ups are required to have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) ready for market launch, while scale-ups must demonstrate the capabilities to sustain a viable business model.
ARIS’s programme, curated by Deloitte’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (IEC), aims to help these companies refine their strategies, commercialise effectively, and connect with critical industry stakeholders.
“The acceleration programme has been specifically designed to empower innovative enterprises to speed up their market strategy,” ARIS explained.
Over the course of the programme, participants will receive extensive mentorship, training, and knowledge-sharing opportunities, including exposure to a range of stakeholders and access to Deloitte’s international network.
These resources allow entrepreneurs to “fine-tune their business model, test and effectively commercialise their product/service,” said ARIS, highlighting the programme’s tailored approach to supporting each company’s unique needs.
This year, ARIS also marks a symbolic evolution by rebranding to ARIS “A Really Inspiring Story,” reflecting its dedication to building stories of entrepreneurial success.
“ARIS now stands for ‘A Really Inspiring Story,’” the accelerator mentioned. This new direction is aimed at supporting the complete entrepreneurial journey, from initial product launch to sustainable business growth, as ARIS continues to position itself as a key player in Cyprus’s innovation ecosystem.
Applications are currently open for the 2024 programme, welcoming start-ups and scale-ups who wish to benefit from the resources made available to them.
In its latest update, the accelerator extended an invitation to companies with innovative solutions and scalable business models to apply.
“Let’s create value and unleash the positive power of new technology together,” the announcement concluded.
