Global Winner of the British Council’s 2026 Study UK Alumni Awards in the Business and Innovation category
Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades, a biotechnology entrepreneur, Honorary Clinical Associate Professor in Research Oncology at the European University Cyprus and a Corresponding Member of Komvos, has been named Global Winner of the 2026 Study UK Alumni Award in the Business and Innovation category.
The global distinction from the British Council followed her recognition in April as the winner of the same category at the Study UK Alumni Awards in Cyprus.
The Study UK Alumni Awards recognise graduates of UK universities for their professional and social contribution after completing their studies. In 2026, more than 1,800 alumni from over 100 countries and 140 UK universities took part in the international process, which resulted in four global winners, one in each category.
From research to three biotechnology companies
Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades is the co-founder of three biotechnology companies based in Limassol: Theramir, Promed Bioscience and RSL Revolutionary Labs. The three companies operate in different but complementary areas of biomedical research and oncology care.
Theramir develops cancer therapies based on microRNA and extracellular vesicles. Its work includes therapeutic approaches for metastatic cancers and its proprietary EVmiR® technology platform.
Promed Bioscience focuses on the production of medical-grade collagen biomaterials and bioinks, with applications in tissue engineering and bioprinting.
RSL Revolutionary Labs develops products for sensitive and compromised skin, including products for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Its εὖSKIN® range has undergone clinical evaluation and is available in international markets.
Together, the companies form a biotechnology ecosystem in Cyprus covering research and development, pilot production, testing and industrial manufacturing.
What does the international distinction recognise?
The Business and Innovation category of the Study UK Alumni Awards recognises graduates who have developed innovative business ideas, products or solutions with broader economic or social impact.
Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades was initially named the winner in Cyprus, representing King’s College London, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the University of Kent. She subsequently progressed to the international stage and was selected as the 2026 global winner in the category.
King’s College London links the distinction to her work in oncology research, regenerative medicine and biotechnology entrepreneurship.
Similarly, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine describes her current work as connecting biotechnology, oncology innovation, biomaterials and patient care.
Her scientific and academic career
Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades studied Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Kent, completed postgraduate studies in Medical Microbiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and earned her PhD at King’s College London, focusing on stem cell biology and proteomics.
She is currently Honorary Clinical Associate Professor in Research Oncology at the European University Cyprus. She is also an Honorary Fellow of Elsevier, a Fellow of CIM and an Honorary Member of the Cyprus Biological Society.
Her entrepreneurial activity has attracted more than €9 million in funding, while she has contributed to the mentoring of more than 200 young scientists and entrepreneurs.
Her previous distinctions include the Falling Walls Women’s Impact Award 2024, the King’s Distinguished Alumni Award in STEM 2022, the Young Researcher Award of the Republic of Cyprus and inclusion in the Forbes Cyprus 20 Women in Tech list.
How is Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades connected to Komvos?
Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades is a Corresponding Member of Komvos, and her work lies at the heart of issues explored through Komvos’ Biotechnology initiative.
Her path from laboratory research to the development of therapeutic platforms, biomaterials and products reaching the market provides a concrete example of the connection between science, production and entrepreneurship.
The Biotechnology Initiative of Komvos focuses precisely on creating the conditions that can strengthen this transition: collaboration between researchers and companies, access to capital, infrastructure, production capabilities and international networks.
The international recognition of Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades therefore highlights a career in which scientific research, entrepreneurship and applications in biomedical production have developed in parallel.
