TBC Supports Georgia’s First National AI Olympiad
The final of the Georgian National AI Olympiad was held with the organization of the Georgian Association for Artificial Intelligence (GAIA) and the support of TBC. The winners of the National Olympiad will form Georgia’s first-ever national student team to compete at the International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) in 2025.
The final round took place on May 25 and included around 20 students who achieved top results in the earlier stage of the Olympiad. The event was hosted by the Georgian National University (GNU), a partner of GAIA.
The Georgian national team will represent the country at the IOAI in Beijing, which will be held from August 2–9. Since its inception in 2024, the IOAI has brought together school students from over 60 countries, fostering global collaboration in artificial intelligence and data science. It has quickly become a prestigious part of the World Student Olympiads system.
The National Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence is a significant initiative for advancing Georgia’s AI and technology ecosystem, as well as for strengthening its integration into the international technological community. Participation helps young people grow professionally in AI, deepening their knowledge and practical skills, and provides opportunities to connect with leading experts in the field. The Olympiad preparation course, developed by GAIA with TBC’s support, plays a key role in this journey. The event is also supported by the Georgian Innovation and Technology Agency.
TBC, as a leading company committed to fostering the education of future generations, is the main supporter of the Olympiad course, the National Olympiad itself, and Georgia’s national team at the IOAI. As part of its partnership with GAIA, professionals from TBC’s data science team serve as course mentors, actively helping students prepare for the Olympiad.
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TBC Concept and Visa to Open Joint Lounge at Kutaisi International Airport
Visa, the global leader in digital payments, in collaboration with the Georgian Airports Association, is set to open a new business lounge at Kutaisi International Airport. This lounge will also feature a dedicated TBC Concept lounge space, enhancing the travel experience for premium passengers.
This will be the second TBC Concept lounge in Georgia, providing TBC Concept customers with everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Visitors can look forward to a pleasant environment, a wide selection of food and drinks, a small library, magazines and newspapers, fast internet, and access to flight information and more.
“Traveling is one of the favorite activities for TBC Concept customers, so we are constantly striving to make this experience even easier and more enjoyable for them. We opened our first Concept Lounge three years ago at Tbilisi Airport, where more than 100,000 customers have already enjoyed an exceptional experience. We are delighted that TBC Concept customers will soon have the same opportunities at Kutaisi Airport,” said Nata Khurtsidze, Head of Personal Banking at TBC.
Passengers at Kutaisi International Airport who hold Visa Premium cards will be able to access the lounge for a predetermined number of times free of charge.
The launch of this new travel lounge brings TBC one step closer to its mission of simplifying people’s lives — creating a high-quality travel experience tailored to their desires, needs, and lifestyles.
Currently, in addition to Tbilisi, TBC Concept customers can access travel lounges at more than 1,200 airports worldwide.
“Best Freelancer” – A New Nomination for the TBC Business Awards 2025
The TBC Business Awards, now in its ninth year, is introducing a new nomination: “Best Freelancer.” This addition reflects the growing global trend and evolving work culture of recent years.
More and more professionals are leaving traditional office jobs to embrace independent careers, managing their own time, energy, and professional growth. Whether you’re an architect, marketer, copywriter, coach, or someone helping companies from home, what matters most is being a true professional in your field.
The criteria for the “Best Freelancer” nomination are:
- Creating Value
The jury’s primary focus is on whether the freelancer creates real value—be it financial impact, brand development, or service quality improvement. - Sustained Freelance Experience
The nomination recognizes individuals who actively promote freelancing culture. Applicants must have at least one year of experience working with companies, and freelancing should be their main source of income rather than a hobby or side project. - Experience Across Industries
Freelancers who have collaborated with clients in various industries and created value will have an advantage. The jury will evaluate candidates on a 10-point system for each criterion, and it’s essential for applicants to provide a substantiated history of their work. - Recognition and Achievements
This can include published work, client testimonials, online reviews, or collaborations with well-known companies—anything that clearly demonstrates the freelancer’s impact.
In addition to the “Best Freelancer” category, this year’s TBC Business Awards will also recognize businesses in four other categories:
• Best Product
• Best Innovative Startup
• Outstanding Social Responsibility
• Outstanding Role in the Region
For detailed information and registration in the desired category, please visit the official website: Business Awards 2025.
The main partner of the Business Awards 2025 is Visa. The event is supported by Adjara Group and media partners Marketer.ge, BMG, On.ge, and Entrepreneur Georgia.
Unlock the Best Offers with the New Campaign in TBC Mobile Bank
TBC is committed to simplifying processes for its customers. With the launch of a new campaign, we have updated the registration process in the TBC Mobile Bank, making it easier than ever to log in and access the services you need.
Previously, registering for Mobile Bank and recovering data required multiple documents. Now, TBC has streamlined these processes: registration takes just 30 seconds, and data recovery can be completed even more quickly.
To register, simply take a selfie and enter your personal information. Data recovery is equally straightforward—just complete a quick three-step process.
TBC Mobile Bank opens up a world of opportunities for you: access various banking services, get a new TBC card, and take advantage of distribution at exclusive TBC locations.
Explore the benefits and exclusive offers of the new TBC card today—just open a Mobile Banking account to get started!
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First Georgian-Flagged Freight Ferries Operate with TBC Funding
With TBC’s support, the company “Sea Line E-60” has purchased a new ferry and is now operating two vessels between Georgia and Romania. Named “Aia” and “Dioscuria,” these ferries are the first to sail under the Georgian flag and are used to transport various types of cargo along the Poti–Constanta–Poti route, including rail freight, trucks, and passenger vehicles. In the future, passengers will also be able to use these ferries.
TBC’s funding for the project, totaling 19 million GEL, has a strategic significance not only for “Sea Line E-60” but also for the wider sector. Ferry transportation is part of the main European route—the E60 highway—which spans from France to Kyrgyzstan, forming a continuous transport corridor. Moreover, the Poti–Constanta–Poti service is the fastest connection between Georgia and Europe across the Black Sea, unlocking new opportunities for the region and boosting the load and stable development of the Middle Corridor.
The newly acquired ferry “Dioscuria” can accommodate 80 large trucks and 30 light vehicles. It is equipped with comfortable cabins and will soon offer amenities such as restaurants, bars, and entertainment areas, all in full compliance with international maritime standards.
As Georgia’s leading supporter of business, TBC has been a partner of “Sea Line E-60” since its inception, helping to drive both the company’s growth and the broader development of the transport sector. Over the past two years, TBC’s portfolio in the logistics sector has grown by 58%, reaching 400 million GEL by 2024. By funding similar projects and introducing modern standards, TBC continues to foster sustainable economic growth and position Georgia on the global economic map.
TBC Capital’s Macroeconomic Review: Lari Strengthening Amid Global Currency Dynamics
TBC Capital has published its monthly macroeconomic review, highlighting continued interventions and supportive factors for the Georgian lari (GEL).
What does the US dollar have in common with the currencies of emerging economies? At first glance, seemingly nothing. However, current developments in the US economy are displaying characteristics typical of emerging markets. Specifically, while interest rates on long-term US government securities are rising, the dollar itself is depreciating. As of May 26, the effective exchange rate of the US dollar has fallen by more than 8.5% against trading partners since the start of the year. This simultaneous rise in interest rates and depreciation of the dollar is atypical for developed economies, where monetary policy is usually countercyclical—higher rates accompany strong growth, and vice versa. In contrast, emerging economies often adopt pro-cyclical policies, such as raising interest rates during slowdowns to support their currency, contain inflation, and prevent capital outflows. Consequently, these recent developments in the US are quite unusual and underscore the prevailing uncertainties in global markets.
In this context, the GEL/EUR/USD business strategy remains relevant. It is based on medium- and long-term currency assessments—particularly regarding the EUR/USD and the GEL—historically showing very high potential returns. Regarding the impact on the lari, the recent weakness of the dollar is a significant positive factor. Accordingly, as of the end of April, we estimate that the short-term equilibrium benchmark for the USD/GEL exchange rate declined to 2.69.
Yet, the dollar’s weakness is not the only factor supporting the lari. Net foreign exchange inflows are expected to improve in 2025, driven by a record-low merchandise trade deficit (excluding January’s one-off factor), robust growth in remittances (especially from stable sources), and a recent acceleration in tourism receipts. Moreover, foreign exchange supply is being bolstered by the gradual conversion of deposits back into lari—what we call the “good times buffer”—with early signs already visible. On the demand side, pressure has also eased, as seen in the normalization of net foreign exchange purchases by households and businesses. Overall, these combined factors are contributing to the lari’s strengthening.
This appreciation pressure has enabled the National Bank of Georgia to replenish its foreign exchange reserves on a large scale. The National Bank purchased USD 368 million in March and April, in line with our expectations. We expect that large-scale interventions will continue in May. By the end of April, total international reserves had reached USD 4.5 billion, USD 300 million higher than at the end of February.
It is important to note that these recent events were largely anticipated. Apart from the dollar’s weakness—driven by a notable deterioration in expectations—our February publication, “Why is the Lari Strengthening?”, highlighted that these developments did not constitute a currency shock in economic terms. Accordingly, we did not factor in significant fluctuations in the lari within our baseline scenario. This outlook was based, on the one hand, on an expected reduction in imports (particularly of durable goods) and, on the other hand, on the relative insensitivity of goods exports and remittance flows to domestic factors, as they depend mainly on external markets. Since developments have aligned with this scenario, our assessment remains unchanged: we continue to foresee only a moderate strengthening of the lari, even amid stronger supporting factors. This view is anchored in three main arguments: the need to rebuild reserves, subdued inflation, and the lari’s proximity to its equilibrium level.
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If we return to the arguments outlined above, despite the absence of significant inflationary pressure, the recent depreciation of the GEL’s effective exchange rate carries a certain risk of increasing the price of imported goods. This, in turn, is already an argument for the further strengthening of the GEL.
Inflationary pressure has increased relatively recently. However, prices of consumer goods on international markets are generally on a downward trend, which is likely not yet fully reflected in domestic inflation. Meanwhile, inflation in services and locally produced goods has seen a modest uptick—a factor worth noting.
Conversely, there is no evident pressure from the labor market. Despite a significant rise in real wages in the economy over the past two to three years, labor productivity has also improved. Consequently, the wage bill per unit of production has not changed significantly in real terms.
Moreover, the real effective exchange rate of the GEL is slightly below its long-term equilibrium level. This is primarily due to the relative weakness of the U.S. dollar and the accompanying strengthening of the currencies of Georgia’s trading partners, while the lari has only slightly appreciated against the dollar.
This dynamic is particularly important because, according to our research, around 75% of Georgia’s overall inflation dynamics are explained by regional—rather than domestic—factors, highlighting the significant role of imported inflation. Thus, in the event of increased inflationary pressures—although this is not currently our baseline scenario—the existing foreign exchange surplus is likely to support a stronger lari.
Current Dynamics
The latest indicators point to an acceleration in domestic demand. The March economic growth estimate remains above our baseline scenario, which anticipates a gradual normalization around the long-term economic activity trend.
Additionally, the growth of total non-cash expenditures accelerated slightly in March and has continued to improve in April and May. Non-resident spending in April-May is notably strong, contrasting with the first quarter’s trends. Migrant spending, while showing a slight decrease in May, has remained generally stable.
See the full version of the publication at the link.
TBC Concept Presents the Summer Season of “Sakhelosno 42” Theater
With the support of TBC Concept, “Sakhelosno 42” Theater unveils its summer season, offering a rich and diverse program.
Founded by Levan Tsuladze, this independent theater space brings the stage to life in June with stories that will make you laugh, reflect, and experience a wide range of emotions.
The general sponsor of the theater is TBC Concept and Visa.
TBC Concept Visa cardholders enjoy a 15% discount on fourth-row tickets. To purchase tickets, please follow the link.
Discover the June Poster:
Gas Station – June 1, 7, and 14, 2025
As life rushes by at an uncontrollable speed, we often forget what truly matters. This play tells the story of six people who, by fate, end up at a “gas station,” forced to take a break from the chaos of daily life for just a few hours. In this brief pause, they’re given a chance to truly see one another again.
Nose – June 4, 2025
Your name? Your status? Your influence? And if one morning you discover that all of this has been given to someone else—who will you be? You wake up to find your nose gone. But the most disturbing part is not its disappearance—it’s that it’s now somewhere else. In your place. At your desk. In your clothes. Bearing your name, commanding your influence, and respected more than you ever were. What remains of a person when his nose no longer belongs to him? What remains when his role and position overshadow his very self?
TooTsie – June 5, 2025
Inspired by the film of the same name, this play focuses on the love and sacrifice of an actor for his craft. It explores the actor’s thoughts, pain, and passion, as he struggles to fulfill the mission he has defined for himself.
The Conductor – June 6 and 13, 2025
In 1946, in Nuremberg, the chief conductor of the Berlin State Orchestra, Wilhelm Furtwängler, stands trial. Deborah Arnold investigates the past of the renowned German conductor, turning the interrogation room into a battlefield of conflicting ideologies: Can art truly be separated from politics? Can one live and work in peace after shaking hands with the devil? Can music liberate the human spirit? This gripping play by Ronald Harwood raises these and many other profound questions—though the answers may be hard to accept.
1921-1924 – June 15, 2025
Set against the backdrop of Georgia’s last days of independence and the Bolshevik repressions, this play captures the tragic consequences of Sovietization. Generations were stripped of their futures, dreams, and very lives, locked into a hopeless and harrowing situation for years to come.
Solar Energy for a Smart Future: Group 2805 LLC’s Innovative Approach Supported by TBC Business
Today, as the world actively seeks environmentally safe and economically viable energy solutions, solar panels have become not just an alternative resource but an inevitable necessity. No longer a concept of the “distant future,” solar energy is already a vital part of our current reality.
Driven by this vision, five specialists in the field united to establish Group 2805 LLC, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) company dedicated to solar power plants. The main motivation behind the founding of Group 2805 LLC was to create a modern, technologically advanced, and sustainable energy infrastructure. The company’s mission is to develop a solar plant built on high-quality components, robust engineering solutions, and an ethical approach. With all five shareholders being professionals in the energy sector, the company benefits from a technically sound, quality-oriented process.
“Our solar station is distinguished by its unique location, easy access, and proximity to the power grid,” says Ilia Razmadze, co-founder of Group 2805 LLC. “We’ve implemented strong technical solutions, as all five owners are specialists in the field. Our installation uses the best equipment, including world-class panels and inverters, and it’s important to note that our station was thoroughly tested before commissioning.”
Of course, many challenges have emerged since its founding. However, Group 2805 LLC has persevered and approached every step strategically — including land selection. The company intentionally purchased rocky land unsuitable for farming, currently used as sheep pasture, which underscores its environmentally sound approach.
One of the most critical aspects of developing such a project is securing financial resources, and TBC Business has played a vital role in supporting Group 2805 LLC.
Looking ahead, Group 2805 LLC is poised to further develop its knowledge and expertise, contributing to a smarter, greener future.
