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Privacy Policy

CyEC Accelerator & Launchpad Programs
Last updated: 10/10/2023

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Cyprus Entrepreneurship Competition (“CyEC”, “we”, “our”, “us”) collects, uses, discloses, and protects your personal data when you:

  • Apply to or participate in the CyEC Accelerator or CyEC Launchpad programs (“Program”),

  • Visit our website www.cyec.org.cy,

  • Communicate with us via email or other channels.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable laws of the Republic of Cyprus.

2. Who We Are | Data Controller

The data controller responsible for your personal data is:

Cyprus Entrepreneurship Competition (CyEC)
University of Cyprus
Email: cyec@ucy.ac.cy
Website: https://www.cyec.org.cy

3. Personal Data We Collect

We collect personal data directly from you when you visit our website, submit an application, or participate in the Program. This may include:

  • Identification & Contact Data: full name, email address, phone number, postal address, country of residence, and company name.

  • Professional & Application Data: role, project details, pitch decks, presentations, company information, and any documentation submitted through the application portal.

  • Program Participation Data: attendance records, progress reports, deliverables, mentor feedback, pitch event results, and any awards received.

  • Marketing & Communications Data: your preferences for receiving updates, newsletters, and event invitations.

  • Website & Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device type, and cookies (see Section 10).

We may also collect data from publicly available sources (e.g., LinkedIn, company websites) to support due diligence and program operations.

4. How We Use Your Data

We process personal data for the following purposes:

  • To manage and administer the Accelerator and Launchpad programs.

  • To evaluate applications and select participants.

  • To provide support, mentoring, and training throughout the Program.

  • To communicate with you regarding the Program, events, deadlines, and announcements.

  • To distribute prizes, grants, or funding where applicable.

  • To comply with reporting obligations to funders, partners, and relevant authorities.

  • To promote the Program and its participants (e.g., on our website, press releases, and social media).

  • To maintain the security and performance of our website.

We will not use your personal data for any purpose incompatible with the above.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on:

  • Consent: when you apply to the Program or subscribe to communications.

  • Contractual necessity: to manage your participation in the Program.

  • Legitimate interests: to promote the Program, ensure its proper administration, and communicate with stakeholders.

  • Legal obligations: to comply with applicable laws and reporting requirements.

6. How We Share Your Data

We may share your personal data with:

  • Program partners, mentors, evaluators, or judges involved in the selection or support process.

  • Funding or sponsoring organizations, when required for reporting or disbursement of awards.

  • Service providers that help us operate the website, application systems, or email communications (e.g., secure cloud platforms, CRM tools).

  • Media, press, or event partners, only for promotional purposes and with limited, non-sensitive information (e.g., team name, project title, and photo).

  • Public authorities, if required by law.

We do not sell or rent your personal data.

7. International Data Transfers

If your data is transferred outside the European Union, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as EU Standard Contractual Clauses or transfers to countries deemed adequate by the European Commission.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to:

  • Fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy,

  • Comply with legal or reporting obligations,

  • Defend or establish legal claims if necessary.

Typically, application and Program data will be retained for up to five (5) years from the end of the Program cycle, unless a longer retention period is legally required.

9. Your Rights

Under GDPR and applicable data protection laws, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data.

  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.

  • Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”) under certain conditions.

  • Restrict or object to processing of your data.

  • Request data portability.

  • Withdraw your consent at any time (where processing is based on consent).

  • Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection (Cyprus) if you believe your rights have been violated.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [Insert Official Email].

10. Cookies & Website Data

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve performance and user experience.

Cookies help us:

  • Understand website traffic and usage patterns,

  • Improve navigation and functionality,

  • Remember user preferences.

11. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorized access, or disclosure.

Access to personal data is restricted to authorized personnel who are subject to confidentiality obligations.

12. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any significant changes will be communicated through our website or email. The updated version will include the revision date at the top of the page.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about how we handle your personal data, or if you wish to exercise your rights, please contact:

Cyprus Entrepreneurship Competition (CyEC)
Email: cyec@ucy.ac.cy
Website: https://www.cyec.org.cy

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