A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) and the Cyprus Game Makers Association (CYGMA) lays the foundation for joint initiatives in education, research, innovation, and professional training within the rapidly growing video games and virtual worlds sector.

The MoU was signed on 26 May 2026 at CUT by the University’s Rector, Professor Panayiotis Zaphiris, and CYGMA’s General Manager, Andrey Ivashentsev.

The collaboration aims to establish a framework that connects academia with the video game industry, fostering knowledge and expertise exchange, skills development, and innovation. As the founding academic institution of CYGMA’s Academic Partnership Programme, CUT will play a pivotal role in building a bridge between universities and the industry.

Commenting on the agreement, CUT Rector Professor Panayiotis Zaphiris stated: "Our collaboration with CYGMA strengthens the University’s strategy of meaningfully connecting education and research with the needs of society and the economy. The video games and interactive media sector is a dynamic field with significant growth and innovation potential. Through this partnership, we are creating new opportunities for our students, enhancing the transfer of knowledge and expertise, and contributing to the development of a modern ecosystem of creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship in Cyprus."

CYGMA General Manager Andrey Ivashentsev said: "Cyprus already has a substantial video game development industry; what it needs now is a talent pipeline built by studios and universities together. CUT is the founding institution of CYGMA’s Academic Partnership Programme, helping to build a bridge of cooperation between academia and industry. This agreement is where that work begins."

The agreement provides, among other things, for the implementation of joint research programmes and applied research projects, the organisation of seminars and workshops, the participation of industry professionals in educational activities, and the creation of internship and work-placement opportunities for CUT students.

Particular emphasis will be placed on cutting-edge fields such as game design, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies, artificial intelligence applications for gaming, and other related areas linked to the modern interactive media ecosystem.

The collaboration also includes the co-organisation of events, conferences, and talent-development initiatives, contributing to the further strengthening of Cyprus’ video game ecosystem and enhancing its international reach.

On behalf of CUT, the Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts, coordinated by Professor Despina Michael-Grigoriou, will play a central role in implementing the partnership’s activities, drawing on its academic expertise and research capabilities for the benefit of students, industry, and society.

The agreement reaffirms the commitment of both organisations to promoting innovation, research, and human capital development in one of the most dynamic sectors of the digital economy.