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National Bank Launches 16th Innovation And Technology Contest To Propel Future-Ready Solutions

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2025

The National Bank has announced the commencement of its 16th Innovation & Technology Contest under the NBG Business Seeds program. Recognized as the longest-running initiative supporting innovation in Greece and Cyprus, the contest has, over its 16-year tenure, been instrumental in empowering visionary individuals with the tools and guidance needed to transform pioneering ideas into practical solutions.

Fostering Entrepreneurial and Technological Synergy

With more than 8,700 submissions to date, the contest represents a fertile ground where entrepreneurial creativity meets technological advancement. The initiative actively encourages projects in research, entrepreneurial ventures, and technology-driven solutions tailored to address contemporary societal challenges and the economic demands of the future. Notably, persistent participation from Cypriot research teams and startups has become a hallmark of the contest, with past winners—such as this year’s victor of the 15th edition, Ask Wire—demonstrating its impact on regional innovation.

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Driving Tomorrow’s Technologies With Social Responsibility

Participants are invited to address key sectors including financial technology (fintech), digital entrepreneurship, advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and social progress. The contest places special emphasis on solutions that promote ethical governance, financial literacy, and the economic empowerment of citizens, thereby aligning technological innovation with broader social responsibilities.

Mentorship And Networking Opportunities

Throughout the competition, entrants benefit from a structured program of briefings and one-on-one mentoring sessions. This support network is bolstered by seasoned executives from the National Bank and more than 50 collaborative partners, including industry leaders such as Microsoft, AWS, Google, Amcham, the Onassis Foundation, and Mastercard, among others. Not only is the program hosted in Greece, but relevant events will also take place in Cyprus, ensuring a comprehensive support and networking experience.

Attractive Monetary Awards And Strategic Opportunities

The contest will reward the top three proposals with cash prizes of €20,000, €12,000, and €8,000 respectively, as evaluated by a panel composed of academics and senior bank executives. In addition, a new Specialist Property Tech Award of €4,000 is being introduced, alongside up to five Special Awards for Financial Empowerment totaling €10,000. These awards are designed not only to recognize innovative brilliance but also to enhance the capacity of citizens to make informed economic decisions. Beyond the immediate financial incentives, winners will gain access to valuable support networks, visibility opportunities, and potential strategic partnerships with the National Bank, including the possibility of direct investments.

Submission Deadline And Further Information

Proposals must be submitted by Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 15:00. For entrepreneurs and innovators seeking to join the 16th Innovation & Technology Contest, further details and application procedures can be found via the official contest portal. Additional information about the NBG Business Seeds program and contest particulars is available on the National Bank’s website.

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TikTok Elevates Songwriters With Enhanced Profile Features

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 18, 2025

Introducing Enhanced Visibility For Songwriters

TikTok is poised to transform the way songwriters promote their craft by integrating a suite of new features designed to highlight their musical works on the platform. Now in beta, the update includes a dedicated “Songwriter” label and a specialized profile tab that showcases their songs, allowing creators to build a more compelling narrative around their artistry.

Survey-Driven Innovation

The enhancements stem from extensive research, with TikTok surveying over 870 songwriters and conducting in-depth interviews to identify the key needs in profile building and monetization. Supplementary data from an independent study further confirmed that more than half of social media-savvy songwriters rely on TikTok for profile promotion. Such rigorous market research underpins TikTok’s commitment to driving tangible benefits for creative professionals.

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Selective Rollout and Strategic Partnerships

At present, only a limited group of publishing partners and songwriters have access to the new features. Interested parties must join a waitlist to take part in this initiative, emphasizing TikTok’s strategy of fostering an exclusive ecosystem that prioritizes high-quality content and strategic industry alliances.

Competitive Momentum In The Music Streaming Arena

TikTok’s new tools arrive at a time when competitors are also enhancing their songwriter engagement. Spotify, for instance, has been offering dedicated features for songwriters over the years, while Tidal recently expanded its offerings by introducing royalty tracking capabilities. Despite discontinuing its TikTok Music streaming service last year, the platform continues to serve as a vital hub for music discovery and artist promotion.

Empowering Creative Storytelling

“We are passionately committed to supporting songwriters at TikTok, which is why we built these tools to celebrate and elevate their work on our platform,” stated TikTok’s Global Head of Music Publishing Licensing and Partnership. By enabling songwriters to seamlessly integrate their musical narrative with their personal content, TikTok is not only enhancing profile visibility but also building a more engaging, multi-dimensional user experience.

As TikTok continues to innovate, these developments are set to redefine how songwriters connect with their audiences and manage their creative endeavors, reaffirming the platform’s role as a pivotal force in the digital music landscape.