National Bank of Greece successfully participated in the INSPIRE 2026 Entrepreneurial Festival, which took place on October 7 and 8 in Nicosia. For the second consecutive year, the Bank participated as a Stage Sponsor of the Startup Stage, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and outward-looking initiatives.
The highlight of its participation was “Innovation Cyprus 2.0,” which was held on October 7 at the National Bank of Cyprus Administration Building in Nicosia. The event brought together representatives from the government, the business and academic communities, venture capital firms, as well as top executives from international technology organizations.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Through substantive discussions and the exchange of diverse perspectives, the importance of linking research with technology, entrepreneurship, and financing was highlighted. This connection is essential for transforming innovative ideas into sustainable business initiatives with growth potential and a meaningful impact on the economy and society.
Through initiatives such as NBG Business Seeds and “Innovation Cyprus,” the National Bank builds bridges of collaboration between people, ideas, and capital, actively contributing to the development of the innovation ecosystem in Cyprus and Greece.
Collaboration as a Driving Force for Growth
In his opening remarks, the CEO of National Bank of Greece, Mr. George Agioutantis, highlighted the crucial role of collaboration in shaping a strong and sustainable innovation ecosystem. As he aptly noted: “The Bank’s role today is not merely to finance the economy. It is to help create the conditions that enable growth to flourish.”
Greetings were delivered by the Greek Ambassador to Cyprus, Mr. Konstantinos Kollias, the President of the Council of the University of Cyprus Entrepreneurship Center, Professor Marios Dikaakos, and the Head of Innovative Entrepreneurship Development at the National Bank of Greece, Dr. Spyros Arsenis.
A highlight of the program was the keynote address by John Christodoulou, Chairman & Owner of the Yianis Group. Drawing on his personal entrepreneurial journey, he highlighted honesty and trust as fundamental prerequisites for building strong and lasting partnerships.
Also pivotal was the discussion between the General Manager of Transformation, Strategy and International Operations at National Bank of Greece, Mr. Ernest Panagiotou, and the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Dr. Nikodimos Damianos, which focused on the role of innovation and digital transformation in economic growth.
Representatives of the government, institutional bodies, and the business community participated in the thematic discussions, including the Mayor of Nicosia, Mr. Charalambos Pruntzos, the President of the Federation of Employers and Industrialists, Mr. George Pantelides, the Deputy Managing Director of Invest Cyprus, Ms. Lia Riris, the CEO of Petrolina (Holdings) Public Ltd, Mr. Dinos Lefkaritis, and Ms. Despoina Panagiotou Theodosiou from Tototheo Global.
The international technology and investment dimension of the event was enhanced by the participation of executives from Microsoft, Mastercard, and Amazon, as well as representatives from Uni.Fund VC, Metavallon, L-Stone Capital, Big Pi Ventures, and Investing for Purpose. The discussions focused on digital transformation, the commercialization of research, and funding and growth opportunities for startups.
A highlight was the presentation by the Cypriot startup MammoCheck, which took first place in the 16th NBG Business Seeds Innovation and Technology Competition. Its journey demonstrated in practice how an innovative idea can, with the right guidance and support, evolve into a business initiative with a meaningful impact.
A steadfast partner of the business community
Through its participation in the INSPIRE 2026 Entrepreneurial Festival and the organization of “Innovation Cyprus 2.0,” National Bank of Cyprus reaffirms its role as a steadfast partner of the business community and an active contributor to the development of a dynamic and outward-looking innovation ecosystem.
Leveraging the expertise, strong foundations, and the strength of a large Group, it continues to invest in the ideas and people shaping the future of the economy, actively supporting innovation and new entrepreneurship in Cyprus and Greece.
