Innovation Department

Innovation is the foundation of the economy. It is the primary force behind a successful R&D project that results in the creation of much better, cheaper, more efficient, competitive, and disruptive products. The strategic importance of innovation for any organisation, all the way from start-ups to multinational corporates, research institutions and government organisations, should not be underestimated. Having said that, it might be somewhat challenging for the organisations to have the means of investment in R&D or innovation management capacity developed in-house. Collaborative innovation (Co-innovation) is a robust alternative solution offering that allows to circumnavigate the budgetary constraints through effective outsourcing

The Members of the Innovation Department

Styliani Petroudi

Head of Innovation

Styliani Petroudi

Position: Head of Innovation

Dr Styliani Petroudi is the Head of the Innovation Department, at CYENS Centre of Excellence (CoE), an Honorary Lecturer at University College London and Research Fellow at the eHealth Lab at the University of Cyprus. Styliani received her BScE and MScE in Electrical Engineering with a focus in signal and image processing from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with a Fulbright Scholarship. She continued her studies at the Wolfson Medical Vision Laboratory (MVL) at the University of Oxford, funded by a grant from Cancer Research – UK, under the supervision of Professor Sir Michael Brady in Information Engineering. Whilst at Oxford she was voted the treasurer of the Oxford University Greek Society. Following her DPhil, she remained at the University of Oxford

As a postdoctoral research associate, working closely with researchers from CR-UK and NCRI on oncological imaging and visualization related issues. Styliani’s research focuses on the analysis and interpretation of data (mainly 2D images, 3D volumes) using image processing (focusing on texture), statistical analysis, artificial intelligence and machine learning mainly in medical applications, for the better understanding, and early detection and diagnosis of human illnesses and especially cancer. Styliani has worked as a visiting academic at the University of Cyprus, the Open University Cyprus and the University of Girona. She was also the Coordinator of a Research Excellence Proposal funded by the Research Promotion Foundation for the development of personalised breast cancer detection systems incorporating breast density, where the consortium included University of Cyprus, Nicosia General Hospital and University of Leiden. Dr Petroudi also holds an MBA from the University of Cyprus, and has worked as an officer at the Research and Innovation Foundation Cyprus. Styliani is currently leading the Research Office at CYENS CoE, and is involved in the project management of all the research project as well as the RISE Teaming Project for the Centre. Styliani has over 50 publications in journals and scientific conferences. CYENS CoE has secured over 2 million of competitive funding in the past 3 years.

Anastasia Georgiade

Research Assistant ViWAS Project

Anastasia Georgiade

Position: Research Assistant ViWAS Project

Anastasia Georgiade is a Cyprus-born researcher and educator working as a Research Assistant at the CYENS Centre of Excellence, where she contributes to the ViWAS (Virtual Worlds of AcademySkills ) project. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education (specialising in Mathematics and Art Education) from the University of Cyprus and completed an Erasmus+ Exchange Program focused on global sustainability and immersive technologies at VIVES University of Applied Sciences in Belgium. She further pursued an MA in Artificial Intelligence and Technology-Enhanced Learning at the University of York, where her postgraduate research investigated AI Literacy in Primary STEAM Education, comparing teacher perspectives in the UK and Cyprus. Her research interests lie at the intersection of virtual learning environments, AI competence frameworks, and cross-cultural educational policy.

Ioannis Koureas

Marketing and Communication Officer

Ioannis Koureas

Position: Marketing and Communication Officer

Ioannis Koureas is a Marketing & Communications Officer at CYENS Centre of Excellence, where he supports the Centre’s communication, branding, and outreach activities across research, innovation, and education. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Information from the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB).

In his role, Ioannis contributes to the development and execution of digital communication strategies, social-media content, event promotion, and marketing materials, helping translate complex research and innovation into clear, engaging messages for diverse audiences. He works closely with multidisciplinary research groups, project teams, and external partners to strengthen CYENS’ visibility.

Marios Kyriakou

Head of Commercial Exploitation

Marios Kyriakou

Position: Head of Commercial Exploitation

Dr. Marios Kyriakou is a technology and innovation professional with more than 20 years of experience spanning academic research, European research projects, project management, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialisation.

Originally from Paphos, Cyprus, he holds a BSc in Computer Engineering and Informatics from the University of Patras. He subsequently received an MSc in Advanced Information Technologies from the University of Cyprus in 2005 and a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Cyprus in 2014, with research focused on Computer Graphics, Virtual Reality and interactive technologies.

During his academic and research career, he participated in European research initiatives, including the FP6 INTUITION Network of Excellence, and later joined CYENS Centre of Excellence, where he worked for approximately five years in research project management, contributing to the coordination and implementation of European and nationally funded research and innovation projects.

Dr. Kyriakou is also the founder of Mirror 3D Lab Ltd, a Cyprus-certified innovative company developing Darefore, a wearable sensing and sports technology platform. Through his entrepreneurial work, he has gained hands-on experience across the full innovation lifecycle, including technology and product development, intellectual property, fundraising, investor relations, business development, international partnerships, market validation and commercialisation.

His academic and entrepreneurial achievements include receiving full scholarships for his undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral studies, as well as second prize at the Cyprus Entrepreneurship Competition (CyEC) in 2006. He has also served as a visiting lecturer and educator in Computer Science and technology-related subjects.

His professional interests focus on research commercialisation, technology transfer, innovation strategy, entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, and translating research and technological capabilities into real-world economic and societal impact.

Ourania Miliou

Education and Training Manager

Ourania Miliou

Position: Education and Training Manager

Dr. Ourania Miliou is the Education & Training Manager at CYENS Centre of Excellence, where she leads the development and implementation of innovative, learner-centered programmes that integrate emerging technologies into education. With a PhD in Instructional Technology and over 15 years of experience, she has led and contributed to more than 30 European and national projects, funded by ERASMUS+, AMIF, JRC, and Digital Europe where she has designed training frameworks, developed educational content, and evaluated learning outcomes across diverse sectors.

She specializes in digital education and skills development programmes that merge pedagogy with technology, using game-based learning and interactive media. Her research and practice extend across schools, universities, and professional training environments, with a strong focus on designing learning experiences that deliver measurable impact.

She also coordinates the training and upskilling activities of the Cyprus European Digital Innovation Hub (DiGiNN), supporting professionals from the public and private sectors in adapting to digital transformation.

Shaziye Mehmet

Innovation and Community Engagement Manager

Shaziye Mehmet

Position: Innovation and Community Engagement Manager

Ms. Mehmet earned her BSc in International Relations and European Studies, where she actively volunteered with the IREA Society, representing her university in networking and partnership-building events through diplomacy across Europe.

She later completed an MBA with a dual focus on Human Resources Management and Oil & Gas Management. Her MBA thesis involved designing a performance appraisal system for the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (TCCC), a framework that was successfully implemented by the organization.

She began her career as a Business Development Specialist and Quality Management Expert, contributing to the TCCC and taking an active part in the Board of Directors in human resources initiatives. She is actively taking part in Rotary Club projects dedicated to social responsibility.

At CYENS, Ms. Mehmet serves as the Innovation & Community Engagement Manager. She plays a pivotal role in engaging the communities across the divide, facilitating project collaborations, and bridging innovation and entrepreneurship through initiatives such as the innovation vouchers, youth engagement, cultural heritage.