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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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Clive Owen Films Scorpion In Cyprus In One Of The Island’s Biggest Productions

Cyprus Secures Another High-Profile Production

Oscar-nominated British actor Clive Owen is filming Scorpion in Cyprus, a new action thriller from Copper Island that is understood to have one of the highest daily production budgets ever recorded for a film shoot on the island.

Filming began in Cyprus on July 6 and is scheduled to conclude later this month in Bulgaria. The production marks another high-profile international project to choose Cyprus as a filming location.

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A Cast Built For International Sales

Alongside Owen, the film stars Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike, The Butler, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare) and Reda Elazouar (Sex Education, The Family Plan). The cast also includes Ronan Summers, Jake Ryan, Mark Rhino Smith, Joey Ansah, Alex Cooke and Luke Bouchier.

The screenplay is by Richard Hughes and Bennett Fisher. Copper Island’s Matt Murphy, David Mansfield and Luke Bouchier are producing, while WestEnd Films is handling international sales. The company is expected to present the first footage at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

A Survival Thriller

Scorpion follows Jason, a rookie police officer assigned to an elite special operations unit made up of Afghanistan war veterans. After arriving at an isolated farmhouse, the team is cut off from the outside world and given an ultimatum: every 30 minutes one member will die unless someone reveals the truth about a covert military operation carried out years earlier.

Cyprus’ Role In The Production

The production credited the Cyprus Film Commission for its support, with Copper Island founder Matt Murphy thanking both the commission and the local crew.

Owen also praised the experience of filming in Cyprus, describing the local crew as highly professional and highlighting the island’s diverse filming locations.

Copper Island Expands Its International Portfolio

Limassol-based Copper Island has worked on several international productions, including The Leader, which premiered at Tribeca, as well as Gus Van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire and Ron Howard’s Eden.

The company is also supporting Cypriot productions, including Apart by Stelana Kliridou and The Well by Marios Piperides, which is completing post-production in Limassol.

Matt Murphy is also serving as executive producer of the upcoming Anxious People, starring Angelina Jolie.