A bridge between creativity and opportunity
The philosophy of the Youth Makerspace is simple yet transformative: learning by doing. The centre provides open access to high-end technology and guidance from skilled mentors, enabling young people to explore, design, and build. It encourages teamwork, creative thinking, and problem-solving — skills that are essential for the future of work.
But the Makerspace is more than a technical facility; it is also a community of practice. Through workshops, training sessions, and project-based learning, it brings together people from diverse backgrounds who share a common passion for innovation. In this way, the Makerspace bridges the gap between creativity, education, and entrepreneurship, helping participants discover their potential and connect with new opportunities in Cyprus’s growing digital economy.
Fostering inclusion through technology
As part of the URBACT TechDiversity network, the Youth Makerspace Larnaka demonstrates how local initiatives can integrate diversity and inclusion into the very heart of digital transformation. Its mission is to make technology accessible to everyone — regardless of gender, background, or experience level. The team in Larnaka places special emphasis on engaging underrepresented groups, including NEETs (young people not in employment, education or training), women, and migrants. Activities are designed to be interactive, inspiring, and inclusive — from robotics and coding workshops to creative design sessions and entrepreneurship labs.
“We believe inclusion starts with listening,” explains the Makerspace team. “Our role is to understand the real needs of young people and co-create opportunities that respond to them. When young people feel seen and supported, their creativity flourishes — and innovation follows.”
From ideas to innovation
Beyond skills development, the Makerspace plays a vital role in supporting youth entrepreneurship. Through collaborations with schools, universities, and local businesses, it provides hands-on training and mentorship to help young people develop prototypes, launch startups, and explore innovative solutions to local challenges.
These initiatives directly contribute to Larnaka’s Integrated Action Plan (IAP) within the TechDiversity network, which focuses on diversifying the local tech ecosystem, empowering young scientists, and promoting inclusive digital education. By embedding these principles into local policy, Larnaka aims to create a sustainable environment where innovation is not just encouraged — it is shared.
Building a culture of innovation in Larnaka
The impact of the Makerspace extends far beyond its walls. It has helped to establish a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and community engagement in Larnaka. The centre hosts regular public events, exhibitions, and competitions that bring together local schools, NGOs, and entrepreneurs to celebrate innovation and creative thinking.
In doing so, the Makerspace contributes to building a stronger, more connected local innovation ecosystem — one that values diversity as a driver of growth and recognises the potential of every individual.
A model for other European cities
The Youth Makerspace Larnaka offers a compelling model for other European cities seeking to combine technology, education, and inclusion. Its success lies not only in its impressive facilities but also in its human-centred approach, which prioritises accessibility, collaboration, and empowerment.
By placing young people at the core of digital transformation, Larnaka is helping to shape the next generation of creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs — while showing that inclusive innovation is both possible and sustainable.
As a member of the TechDiversity network, Larnaka continues to inspire its European partners by demonstrating how local actions can generate long-term impact and strengthen the social fabric of cities.
