Neapolis University Students Make Their Mark at Prestigious ICPC Finals
In a remarkable display of talent and skill, a group of students from the Neapolis University of Paphos, led by Cyprus’ Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides, made history by competing in the final round of the renowned ICPC competition in Luxor, Egypt. This event is a testament to the students’ analytical, critical thinking, and programming prowess.
Their participation marked the first time a Cypriot university has been represented in the finals of this global contest, which draws competitors from over 3,000 universities across 111 countries. The student competition saw representation from elite institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon, as well as Oxford and Cambridge, placing the team from Cyprus in a league with some of the world’s most prestigious universities.
Achieving an impressive 79th place, the Neapolis University team has placed Cyprus on the map for fostering competition-ready talent. Their performance at the ICPC finals can be viewed on the official scoreboard for those interested in the detailed results.
The efforts of these young talents have not gone unnoticed. Skourides praised the team’s dedication and performance in such a competitive international setting. The Vice-Rector of the University, Savvas Hadjichristofis, and Neapolis University were also commended for their support and encouragement of the team.
With a focus on nurturing new talent, Neapolis University has established partnerships with leading IT companies such as Jetbrains. These collaborations are aimed at integrating fresh talent directly into the industry. Skourides also highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting STEM education and praised initiatives such as IT Olympiads and robotics competitions that prepare young people for future challenges.
In a strategic initiative to further elevate Cyprus’ academic standing, Skourides met with William Poucher, President of the ICPC Global Foundation, to discuss Cyprus hosting the Pan-European Qualifier in 2026. This move is aligned with the country’s strategic goals to become a hub for research, innovation, and technology.
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration between academia and industry, Skourides called for stronger partnerships to develop talent and integrate it into the business sector. He stressed that aligning educational curricula and research with industry needs is a priority for both the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy and the Ministry of Education.
