SocialTech Lab: Peace Innovation in Action

Community Division and Lack of Dialogue

The world is witnessing an alarming increase in violent conflicts, with some of the highest levels recorded since WWII. This escalation affects global peace and economic stability, underlining the critical need for accessible entrepreneurial capital in conflict regions. The economic repercussions of conflict are profound, as historically, nations with low peace levels experience hindered economic growth compared to their more peaceful counterparts. Traditional peacebuilding methods often fail to engage new audiences across divided communities, exacerbating the issue. Cyprus, a European nation home to the last divided capital in the world, has remained divided for five decades, showcasing the complexities of long-standing conflict. Despite efforts towards reconciliation, there is still a significant lack of inter-communal dialogue and programs in Cyprus, perpetuating the division between communities. Despite the division, Cyprus stands as a beacon of hope for peace, stability, and prosperity. The island's youth, particularly affected by unemployment and conflict, represents both a challenge and an opportunity for transformative change. Research shows that traditional peacebuilding efforts in Cyprus engage less than a third of the  population, highlighting the rarity of cross-community interaction. The lack of innovation in current peacebuilding tools and methodologies hinders their effectiveness in addressing complex conflicts with evolving challenges. Traditional peacebuilding is void of coordination, is not very adaptive, lacks localization, does not address sustainability nor social and economic impact, and is rarely focused on prevention. In Cyprus, these limitations are compounded by methods that struggle to engage new audiences across divided communities.

Financial and Digital Exclusion

In Cyprus, the adoption of advanced digital technology in businesses lags behind, with only half utilizing digital platforms and about 40% utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The use of advanced robotics, big data, and artificial intelligence remains even lower. Financial inclusion remains a challenge, where we found out that two-thirds of startups are self-funded, indicating limited access to external funding sources such as angel investment and venture capital. The island's youth, disproportionately affected by unemployment and division, lack access to resources and opportunities for economic advancement. These issues are again exacerbated by an ongoing division, which holds the island back economically while also significantly widening the digital gap between the two main communities in Cyprus.

Lack of Economic Opportunities and Asset Ownership

Cyprus has a relatively smaller economy compared to other nations, with GDP per capita at USD 23,373, ranking 107 globally. According to a study we conducted in 2020 with over 350 founders, startup funding predominantly comes from self-funding (68%), friends and family (30%), and bank loans (28%), indicating a limited flow of external investment. The lack of economic opportunities only worsen the challenges faced by Cyprus's youth, contributing to unemployment and division. The global trend of increasing violent conflicts underscores the critical need for accessible entrepreneurial capital in conflict regions, where traditional peacebuilding methods often fall short.

SocialTech Lab responds to these challenges by cultivating an environment where young people can innovate for peace and development. We integrate digital tools (e-learning, AI tools, mobile apps), live innovation programs (hackathons, venture builders, accelerators), and shared physical spaces (coworking) for economic unity and social cohesion across divided communities. This approach to peace has empowered thousands of youth to create a new future, and offers a scalable model that can be replicated globally. Our flagship solutions, CyprusInno and The Base by CyprusInno, serve as platforms for entrepreneurial collaboration and innovation across divided communities. These initiatives not only aim to reduce youth unemployment and foster economic integration, but also position entrepreneurship as a key driver for peacebuilding and social cohesion.

Social Impact Generator Model

Our flagship solutions are powered by our “Social Impact Generator” model, which aims to develop resilient innovation ecosystems that foster collaborative entrepreneurship amongst youth in conflict-affected regions. This model consists of six key pillars - Research, Capacity Building, Policy, Digital Tools, Live Programs, and Physical spaces - which all come together to achieve sustainable peace, social impact, and economic development. It focuses on systematic change, building solutions based on data. We firstly conduct research to understand the needs of different communities and specifically of local entrepreneurs. With those outcomes, we design custom capacity building initiatives, digital tools, physical spaces, custom programs and furthermore participate in policy think-tanks to recommend changes. By understanding specific regional challenges, we can customize our tools to address local needs, ensuring that solutions are both relevant and impactful.  This model does not only apply to political conflicts but can also be applied to other conflicts i.e. environmental or human rights related.

Our Model in Action

Cyprusinno is our peacetech platform connecting entrepreneurs in post-conflict communities through a portfolio of digital tools + live innovation programs. The web platform has digitized and united the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem of divided Cyprus featuring 5,000+ members, a map of startups, a jobs board, a funding map, startup ecosystem guides, and an e-learning lab with 30+ hours of free coursework. Through CyprusInno, we also build and launch innovative technologies such as an alumni app (iOS and Android) for networking and AI-powered tools such as a conversational chatbot simplifying regulation to assist trade across the dividing line.

The Base by CyprusInno, our physical space, combines the elements of a coworking space, accelerator/incubator, innovation center, and multimedia studio in Cyprus' UN Buffer Zone. It's the first space of its kind in the world located in a military buffer zone. Here, we host innovation programs that train, accelerate, and incubate the next wave of tech startups across the island.  These programs include a 3-month venture builder with UNDP Cyprus supporting technological solutions that tackle social or environmental challenges, a 3-month academy for women in entrepreneurship, a series of hackathons such as an AI/ML hackathon with Microsoft, sector-specific bootcamps (i.e., agritech), networking events, and more.

Hear more about the solution from the founders here.

We target youth innovators aged 18 to 35 experiencing challenges such as unemployment, limited growth opportunities or underpayment, and who aspire to venture into entrepreneurship or startups for personal and professional growth. Our goal is to achieve a balanced representation with 50/50 gender representation, and we've successfully increased the participation of women in our efforts to over 50% through targeted initiatives. Our programs offer tailored support and resources for women entrepreneurs to address the gender gap in the startup ecosystem. We also work to ensure community balance and representation, not only from the two divided communities in Cyprus but also from other Cyprus-based community members.

By offering targeted support and resources such as startup programs, funding opportunities, and digital support tools, we enable young aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to overcome barriers to entry and achieve success. Last year, we deployed 60,000 euros in capital to three startup teams (10 youth total) and accelerated/incubated over 80 teams total. Our platforms, such as CyprusInno and The Base by CyprusInno, serve as hubs for innovation and economic development, fostering collaboration and driving positive change in conflict-affected regions. They provide educational resources, networks, as well as human and financial capital to empower our target population.

We prioritize financial and digital inclusion by providing aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those from marginalized communities, with access to crucial resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Through digital literacy programs and strategic partnerships (i.e. Microsoft), we ensure that these underserved populations have access to the tools and knowledge necessary to participate fully in the digital economy, thus reducing disparities and promoting equitable opportunities for all.

Moreover, we aim to extend our impact to more regional and conflict-affected areas. Our vision is to replicate our successful model in other conflict-affected regions worldwide, including those in active conflict or post-conflict stages. Currently, our solution is operational in the last divided capital in Europe, and we aspire to scale our efforts to regions such as the Balkans, Middle East, South America, South Asia, and Africa.

You can listen to testimonials from our target population here and here.

We are a dynamic team of social entrepreneurs, changemakers, and community advocates boasting a rich blend of expertise in startups, sustainability, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, technology, and marketing. With an impressive 8-year track record of fostering positive change across divided communities, our team embodies a commitment to driving impactful solutions for lasting peace.

SocialTech Lab was founded by a mixed Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot team who came together across the divide to build for the communities they represent. Our team, including its founders, are all based in Cyprus and within the divided capital of Nicosia. Diversity is at the core of our team, with a near balanced representation of 43% female and 57% male members. Furthermore, we proudly reflect the cultural and religious diversity of the communities we serve, with 57% Greek-Cypriot and 43% Turkish-Cypriot team members. This intentional diversity mirrors the demographics of our program participants, ensuring that our initiatives resonate with and address the needs of all community members. 

Everything we’ve built under SocialTech Lab has been informed by data and feedback from the communities we serve. In line with our Social Impact Generator model, we conducted small- and large-scale quantitative and qualitative research across the island to determine needs and gaps of all community members. This allows us to build innovation programs and new technologies that truly serve the needs of our communities.  Once we deploy these tools, we then survey our user base to extract more insights in order to improve existing products/services or design/develop new ones.  Needs change over time, and that’s why we believe using technology and innovation for peacebuilding allows us to be agile in responding to the needs and the changing conditions of a post-conflict society.

SocialTech Lab has over 8 years of experience in bringing Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities together through entrepreneurship and innovation successfully creating a community of over 5,000 people, conducting 50+ programmes (accelerators, venture builders, hackathons, etc.), launching 10+ digital startup tools (web platform for networking, AI tools for trade, alumni mobile app, etc.), and creating a value of 400k+ euros in partnerships among communities. 

Through our programs and tools, we've managed to impact 6,200+ individuals in Cyprus (does not include total awareness), partner with over 60 organizations locally, regional and globally, create 10+ job opportunities, be featured in 30+ local and international media outlets, deliver 500+ hours of startup mentorship, and more.

All of this has been tested, validated, launched, and scaled within Cyprus with proven outcomes and impact, as well as an established set of donors, partners, and grantors. Our goal is to enter the scale stage, where we begin implementing in other countries. 

Our work has been recognized by the UN Youth Envoy, the Obama Foundation, Yunus & Youth (Supported by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus), UNDP, Microsoft, The Commonwealth, and other gov. organizations including Embassies, High Commissions, State Departments, and Foreign Ministries, and has been awarded the UN SDG Global Action Award as one of the top 3 initiatives globally tackling the SDGs, a National Winner of the 2023 EEPA Award from the European Commission as a top initiative in Europe promoting entrepreneurship and small business at the national, regional and local level, the Commonwealth Innovation Award for Sustainable Development, and the 2019 European Intercultural Innovation Award.

We recently wrapped up three groundbreaking regional programs, signaling the start of our scale phase. In February, we hosted a peacetech gathering at The Base by CyprusInno that, through regional partnerships, brought participants from Israel and Palestine, emphasizing entrepreneurship as a catalyst for peacebuilding while fostering connections among Greek and Turkish Cypriots as well. In March, we co-hosted a pitching series with UNDP’s regional innovation team, giving a platform to youth-led startups from the greater region. In April, we partnered with Microsoft and Finomena for a first-of-its-kind regional AI hackathon bringing together youth leaders and innovators from Egypt, Palestine, Cyprus (Greek and Turkish Cypriots), and the USA.

Drawing from our eight-year legacy of harmonizing Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities (and recently other conflicted communities in the region) through entrepreneurship and innovation, our vision is to extend our programs and tools to other conflict-affected regions while reinforcing our local endeavors and team. This expansion is what motivated us to apply to Solve.

By becoming a Solver, we aim to raise our profile, utilizing platforms like MIT Solve for global PR and marketing, and establishing partnerships with like-minded organizations to explore new markets through local collaborations. Additionally, we seek to enhance our team by recruiting board members with significant expertise in the field, accessing mentorship from domain experts, and unlocking new funding sources to bolster the capabilities of our tech solutions. These solutions include ChatGLT, our in-house AI technology aimed at demystifying complex regulations around trade between the divided Cypriot communities, and our mobile alumni app, which we aim to enhance with AI integration to facilitate impactful peacebuilding in conflict-affected regions. This includes features such as whitelabeling the app for other conflicted regions, implementing AI algorithms for smart matchmaking and recommendations, and designing a user experience that enables networking among users from different conflict countries, like Cyprus, Israel, and Palestine.

Our participation in Solve offers an opportunity not only to connect with organizations that share our values but also to expand our impact across diverse regions. Our ultimate vision is to replicate our successful model globally in conflict-affected areas - nurturing peace, prosperity, and resilience in communities worldwide from the Balkans to South Asia and beyond. Through our innovative tech solutions and on-the-ground initiatives, we are committed to bridging divides and forging a brighter future for all.

Unlike traditional approaches, our model addresses peacebuilding challenges with adaptability and innovation. Traditional peacebuilding is void of coordination, is not very adaptive, lacks localization, does not address sustainability nor social and economic impact, and is rarely focused on prevention. PeaceTech and Peace Innovation allow for greater coordination and localization of peacebuilding efforts, are agile and can respond quickly to changes in conflict settings, are pre-emptive in nature and lean on preventative efforts vs. reactive, and prioritize social and environmental impact alongside conflict resolution.

By leveraging entrepreneurship and technology, we create a novel pathway to peace, fostering economic unity and social cohesion in divided communities. Our solutions not only benefit local regions but also inspire global initiatives, reshaping the landscape of peacebuilding through entrepreneurship and technology.

We have witnessed that through our innovation programs and digital tools, over 60% of our beneficiaries have engaged inter-communally (meaning they met someone from an “opposing” community) for the first time, and 40% have come into Cyprus’ Buffer Zone for the first time. Our model has managed to attract and introduce new people and new faces to peace-building through creating economic empowerment opportunities, leading to dialogue and cooperation amongst conflicted communities. With regional partnerships, our model is currently being further applied to participants from Israel and Palestine. Our philosophy of peace-building in mind and approach of involving every stakeholder in the ecosystem could serve as an example to other ecosystem support organizations, possibly multiplying their impact through improved dialogue and cooperation.

Our Theory of Change is our Social Impact Generator model which has been crafted with over 8 years of experience in the field. This model consists of six key pillars - Research, Capacity Building, Policy, Digital Tools, Live Programs, and Physical spaces - which all come together to achieve sustainable peace, social impact, and economic development.

Here's how we expect our solution to have an impact:

1. Research: We conduct research to better understand the economic development and conflict resolution needs in the community. Based on this data, we design and implement the following:

2. Capacity Building: We design custom mentorship programs, networking opportunities, trainings, bootcamps, hackathons and workshops.

3. Policy: We contribute to local policy changes to improve support to entrepreneurs and on EU/UN level advocate to include entrepreneurship/innovation as a peacebuilding tool.

4. Digital Tools: We create digital tools like e-learning platforms, which involves essential knowledge and skills for entrepreneurship. Our in-house technology, ChatGLT, provides support by combating misinformation and fostering understanding between divided communities. Furthermore, we are launching mobile app for co-partner and investor matchmaking, enhancing collaboration and economic empowerment among diverse communities. These resources and technologies form the foundation for our initiatives, empowering youth to drive positive change and foster peace in their communities.

5. Live programmes: We design and implement academies, accelerators and venture builders that provide training, mentorship and initial funding for MVP creation.

6. Physical Spaces: Through initiatives like The Base by CyprusInno, we create neutral spaces in accessible locations for conflicted communities to come together, and build side-by-side. 

By combining these steps or applying them based on context based on data we create social impact, economic development and sustainable peace.

A concrete example from an innovation program is:

• Research conducted in 2020 showed very low participation of women in entrepreneurial activities.

• Designed and implemented an Academy for Women Entrepreneurs with the support of the US Embassy and US State Department.

• Unique model: The program was communicated to both communities and was held at UN Buffer Zone (The Base by CyprusInno) for easy access to all. The guest speakers and study visits involved women leaders from both communities. Alumnae will also be able to use our alumni app to further communicate and mix with other cohorts.

• Outcome: Over 180 applications received and 40 accepted. They receive hands-on training mentorship and training for 2-3 months. They are visiting each other's businesses, collaborating on projects, grants and even after a year are still meeting for knowledge exchange or social activities.

Another example from our digital tools:

• Research has shown an appetite to trade between the divided communities across the Green Line in Cyprus (70% of entrepreneurs willing to trade, scored 2.2/5 on knowledge of regulations). There is limited knowledge regulation details, processes and lack of contact points for further support.

• By creating ChatGLT, an AI powered chatbot that simplifies the regulation, anyone can ask about the regulation, processes and products in English, Greek and Turkish making trade more accessible and efficient. ChatGLT launched as a prototype in March 2024.

Impact Goals for the Solution:

1. Innovative Approach to Peacebuilding: Our goal is to address the shortcomings of traditional peacebuilding methods by introducing innovative strategies that focus on common challenges and promote collaboration between divided communities through startup programs, innovation spaces, and in house technologies such as web platforms (that connect and educate), AI technologies (that minimize misunderstandings), and matchmaking mobile application (allows diverse communities to connect, network and collaborate with each other).

2. Economic Unity and Interdependence: We aim to foster economic unity and interdependence between communities by leveraging entrepreneurship, technology (matchmaking mobile app, AI tools), and business as tools for peace. Through initiatives that prioritize growth and cooperation, we seek to create positive peace through economic integration. 

3. Contributions to Positive Peace: Our model contributes to achieving positive peace by creating social impact and economic development through our tools and programs built based on  continuous data collection. We strive to understand the specific needs of different communities and tailor our programs to address local challenges effectively.

Measurement Metrics and KPIs:

1. Digital/Live Engagement: We measure the level of engagement with our programs and events, including the number of users, learners, and participants involved in digital platforms and live activities. We also utilize quantitative and qualitative feedback mechanisms after programs or after the deployment of tools to measure success based on scores of satisfaction, lessons learned and key takeaways,

2. Economic Value Generated: We quantify the economic value generated through our initiatives by tracking the number and value of business collaborations, including inter-communal joint ventures facilitated by our programs. This is measured either by the amount of funding we give out or by the value created through partnerships we’ve facilitated (value measured in terms of revenue generated, funds raised, etc.)

3. Social Cohesion: We assess social cohesion by measuring cross-border interactions, such as first meetings between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, to gauge the success of our efforts in fostering connections and understanding between divided communities.

Please see our 2023 Impact Report for more details.

Web Platforms (i.e., CyprusInno):

• HTML, Javascript, CSS

• Backend frameworks: PHP

• Content Management (CMS): Wordpress v.6.5.2

• Learning Management (LMS): Sensei (Javascript, PHP, jQuery)

Mobile Platforms (i.e., Alumni App)

• HTML5, CSS, Javascript

• React Native

• Available on iOS and Android

AI Tools (i.e., ChatGLT)

• Microsoft Azure

• OpenAI

• Microsoft Copilot

• PowerBI

Three full time, one part time, and four contractors (8 total).

This is our 8th year of operations.  CyprusInno (our first initiative and web platform) launched in September of 2016.  We then formally registered SocialTech Lab as a nonprofit in 2019 and subsequently opened The Base by CyprusInno in 2020.  In total, we've been working for 8 years.

At our organization, we prioritize fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all team members. Our team consists of individuals with varied backgrounds and expertise, including social entrepreneurship, sustainability, peacebuilding, technology, and marketing. With an 8-year track record of working across divided communities, we understand the importance of diversity in driving innovation and creating impactful solutions.

SocialTech Lab has a 4-year Equality+ plan in place that outlines how we tackle this, including: (1) gender+ equality in SocialTech Lab’s mission, leadership and decision-making, (2) gender+ equality in recruitment and career progression including availability of family-friendly policies, pay gap (3) inclusion and diversity in all of the activities of the organization (4) gender-sensitive data collection, access and processing, and (5) measures to prevent and address sexual harassment. You can view the full plan here.  

Our team composition reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Currently, our team consists of 43% female and 57% male members, ensuring gender balance. Additionally, we have a cultural and religious balance, with 57% Greek-Cypriot and 43% Turkish-Cypriot representation. This diversity is intentional, aiming to mirror the diversity of participants in our programs and promote a wide range of perspectives and ideas.

Overall, diversity of thought is critical for innovation and conflict resolution.

Our business model can be seen as B2B and B2G depending on the solution we are delivering, with our ultimate beneficiaries being members of the communities we serve who get free access to our platforms. Our business model is structured as:

• Key Resources: People (team), vast and deep connections in our field, expert knowledge on the topic, our assets (web and mobile platforms + physical space), and our proven model.

• Key Activities: Day-to-day operations of the organization and management of our tools and spaces, development of new programs and tools, customer engagement and beneficiary support, presentations, and awareness campaigns.

• Partners & Key Stakeholders: 

  • Beneficiaries - Innovators aged 18 to 35, women, economically underserved, conflict-affected

  • Academia - Partnerships with universities for expertise, joint trainings, and pipeline of youth for programs and tool use

  • Investors - Collaboration with the investment community to raise impact funds and also give our teams opportunities to raise money

  • NGOs - Partnerships with NGOs to provide access to our programs and tools to their beneficiaries and conduct

  • Private Companies - Partnerships with private corporations like Microsoft and others for joint programs, free tech tools, mentors and experts, and more

  • Public Bodies - Government support for initiatives and policy change

  • Donors - Individual or corporate donors

  • Funders (Grantors) - Our customers (government bodies, development agencies, private corporations)

• Type of Intervention: Products (e-learning, online networks, maps, boards, chatbots) and services (hackathons, venture builders, accelerators, bootcamps).

• Channels: Channels to reach target population will include direct contact and word of mouth, digital marketing (social media), thought leadership (podcasts, webinars, blog posts), relevant conference/industry event participation, and partnerships with NGOs.

• Segments:

  • Beneficiaries - Entrepreneurs and innovators from conflicted communities who benefit from free access to resources, mentorship, networking opportunities, and funding initiatives. Includes empowering marginalized communities, including women, minorities, and individuals with limited access to traditional financial services, by offering support and resources for entrepreneurship and innovation.

  • Customers - Government organizations, development agencies, NGOs, and Private companies: SocialTech Lab collaborates with these entities to achieve broader impact by fostering innovation, economic development, and peacebuilding efforts.

• Value Proposition: We provide essential resources, support, and opportunities for economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, innovation, and peacebuilding while addressing pressing social and environmental challenges.

• Cost Structure: Key elements to our cost structure include:

  • Development Costs - Compensation for development work (including software engineering, data science, and back/end + front/end development) 

  • Tech Infrastructure - Cloud hosting, data storage, functionality & processing, project management tools, general software licenses (emails, accounting) 

  • Operational Costs - Office space, utilities, etc.

  • Personnel Costs - Compensation for key personnel positions

  • Marketing - Expenses related to building awareness, recruiting beneficiaries. This 

  • Miscellaneous - Set aside for unforeseen expenses or scope changes 

  • Reserves - Allocated to scale the business, explore new markets, or respond quickly to emerging market opportunities. 

• Revenue: Grants, services, and donations (explained in more detail in another section)

Surplus: Any surplus is reinvested in people (i.e., growth opportunities, new hires), in testing new products, and in savings for unforeseen events or general runway.

We utilize a multi-channel strategy for financial sustainability: 

1. Grant & Award Funding (70%) - We participate in small-medium-large-scale grant funding from various sources. We receive grant support from UNDP, the U.S. State Department, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and EIT (annual in some cases), as well as award funds from organizations like the Stelios Foundation. We also seek funding from other EU bodies and continuously co-write and submit proposals with partners for our contributions across Erasmus+, Horizon, and other schemes. We aim to begin implementing some of these new projects by 2025.

2. Services Revenue (20%) - We generate our own revenue from our products and services. For example, we generate revenue from coworking, event facilitation services, and equipment rental. Our team also gets hired with services based contracts to implement programs (i.e. hackathons, bootcamps, networking events, etc.) on behalf of other organizations.

3. Donations (10%) - We were selected for GlobalGiving’s fundraising accelerator, which we graduated as one of the top ranked organizations in the world and were offered a permanent spot on the prestigious platform. In August 2023, we were awarded “Project of the Month” as the top impact initiative globally, and since then benefit from a flow of donations. Additionally, we get matched hours donated to us by private corporation partners (e.g., Microsoft).

Grant funding comprises our largest revenue stream; however, exact contract amounts and funds raised can not be shared due to ongoing agreements and privacy clauses with funders. Our organization raises enough funds each year through these sources to build and sustain new tools, design and implement new programs, impact thousands of participants, cover operating expenses, and add team members to payroll.