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Cypriot Startup MammoCheck Wins 16th NBG Business Seeds Competition

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 23, 2026

Cypriot startup MammoCheck has distinguished itself by clinching first place at the 16th NBG Business Seeds Innovation and Technology Competition, an achievement that stood out among 344 submissions from Greece, Cyprus, and international entrants.

A Prestigious Gathering In Athens

The annual awards ceremony, held in Athens, brought together a diverse array of leaders from the technology and innovation sectors, including representatives from the National Bank of Greece and Cyprus, investment organizations, chambers of commerce, and academic institutions. The event underscored the dynamic interplay between finance, commerce, and cutting-edge technology, setting a benchmark for regional entrepreneurial excellence.

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Insights From Industry Pioneers

Notable figures such as champion swimmer Apostolos Siskos shared insights from his storied career, while Wealthyhood CEO Alexandros Christodoulakis recounted his experiences from the previous year’s competition. Their contributions highlighted the transformative role that innovation and mentorship play in driving sustainable development and growth in competitive markets.

Innovative Healthcare Solutions

MammoCheck’s win is particularly noteworthy given its development of a portable medical device that integrates with mobile phones to facilitate preventive breast cancer screening. This breakthrough not only enhances early detection of the disease but also reinforces a commitment to public health by leveraging technology to democratize access to vital medical screening tools.

NBG Business Seeds: A Catalyst For Innovation

Since its inception in 2010, the NBG Business Seeds programme has played a pivotal role in nurturing innovative entrepreneurship across Greece, Cyprus, and the wider region. By offering a robust mix of funding, mentoring, and development support, the programme has empowered startups and research teams to excel in areas including healthcare, artificial intelligence, fintech, and sustainable development.

A Testament To Cyprus’ Innovation Ecosystem

Commenting on MammoCheck’s success, Phanos Pilakouris, the NBG Business Seeds programme brand ambassador in Cyprus, affirmed that the achievement exemplifies the strength of Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem. “The success of MammoCheck highlights the potential of Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem and confirms that the country possesses the talent and knowledge required to create solutions with international prospects and a meaningful social impact,” he noted. He further emphasized that support for innovation and entrepreneurship remains integral to sustainable development, a mission reinforced by the longstanding presence of the National Bank of Greece in Cyprus since 1910.

Looking Ahead

The recognition of 12 teams and companies across diverse sectors at this year’s competition not only celebrates innovative breakthroughs but also signals the increasing global competitiveness of regional startups. As initiatives like the NBG Business Seeds programme continue to bridge the gap between creativity and commercial success, the future looks poised for further breakthroughs that will redefine industry standards both locally and globally.

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Cyprus Fuel Prices Jump 20.5% As Energy Costs Rise Across The EU

Cyprus recorded a 20.5% year-on-year increase in the prices of fuels and lubricants for personal transport in May 2026, according to Eurostat data released on Monday.

The increase was broadly in line with the European Union average of 20.7%, with fuel and lubricant prices rising across all EU member states during the period.

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Cyprus Tracks The EU Average

Among EU countries, the largest annual increases were recorded in Bulgaria (33.9%), Luxembourg (32.2%), Lithuania (30.8%) and Romania (30.4%). At the other end of the scale, Hungary registered the smallest increase at 3.5%, while annual growth ranged from 12.7% in Poland to 29.2% in France across the remaining member states.

Eurostat noted that fuel and lubricant prices generally declined across the EU until February 2026 before moving higher in subsequent months.

Diesel And Petrol Follow Different Paths

Across the European Union, diesel prices increased by 29% in May 2026 compared with the same month a year earlier, while petrol prices rose by 16.2%. Monthly trends, however, were more mixed. Between April and May 2026, diesel prices across the EU fell by 5.8%, whereas petrol prices increased by 0.8%.

In Cyprus, diesel prices declined by 1.5% over the same period. Although lower than in April, the decrease was less pronounced than in Germany (-11.9%), Greece (-8.5%), Estonia (-8.4%) and Ireland (-8.1%).

Petrol prices moved in the opposite direction, rising by 2.1% between April and May. A similar pattern was observed across much of the EU, with 23 member states reporting monthly increases. Italy recorded the largest monthly rise in petrol prices at 6.9%, while decreases were reported in Germany (-5.6%), Ireland (-2.0%) and Sweden (-0.7%).