National Bank of Greece is bringing senior technology and investment executives to Cyprus for Innovation Cyprus 2.0, with Microsoft, Mastercard, Amazon Web Services and leading investment funds set to take part in the event in Nicosia. According to the bank, the initiative is aimed at strengthening links between the Cyprus innovation ecosystem and international technology and funding networks, while creating opportunities for cooperation between businesses, academic institutions, startups and investment organisations. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the National Bank of Greece administration building in Nicosia, as part of the INSPIRE Entrepreneurial Festival. The programme will feature executives from internationally recognised technology and innovation organisations, including Microsoft Greece, Cyprus & Malta, Mastercard Greece, Cyprus & Malta and Amazon Web Services Greece, Cyprus & Malta. They are expected to share experience and best practices on digital transformation, the use of new technologies and strengthening innovation within businesses. At the same time, representatives from a number of major funds and venture capital firms will take part in a thematic discussion on Innovation & Funds. These include Uni.Fund VC, Metavallon, L-Stone Capital, Big Pi Ventures and Investing for Purpose. The banksaid that the presence of both major technology organisations and investment funds creates an opportunity for discussion around the trends shaping the future of the economy, the conditions required for startups to develop and scale, and the potential to connect the Cyprus market with wider technology, innovation and financing networks in Greece and internationally. The initiative forms part of the long-standing work of NBG Business Seeds, the National Bank of Greece programme supporting innovative and outward-looking entrepreneurship. For the past 17 years, the programme has offered young scientists, research teams and startups mentoring, networking and access to financing tools, helping them turn ideas into viable business propositions. So far, the NBG Business Seeds Innovation and Technology Competition has attracted more than 9,260 participants and 5,416 business proposals, while 152 winning teams have been selected and a total of €790,000 in cash prizes has been awarded. Meanwhile, the 17th NBG Business Seeds Innovation and Technology Competition is currently under way. Young scientists, research teams, startups and innovative companies can submit proposals until Wednesday, October 14, 2026, competing for cash prizes, mentoring, networking and opportunities for greater visibility. Through the long-running NBG Business Seeds programme, support for innovative teams such as MammoCheck, and efforts to connect Cypriot startups with major technology organisations and investment funds, the National Bank of Greece said it continues to build links between innovation, entrepreneurship, technology and finance. More information and applications for the 17th NBG Business Seeds competition are available through the bank’s website, while registrations for INSPIRE are also open.
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