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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.

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.

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.

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