Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH), co-founded by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) to support the growth of the fintech industry in Qatar, is inviting entrepreneurs and fintechs from Qatar and around the world to apply for its second ‘Hackathon’.
Under the theme ‘Disrupting the Global Fintech Ecosystem using Emerging Technologies’, the Hackathon aims to find solutions that cater to three main challenges: helping financial institutions increase revenue and efficiency, reduce cost and risk, and enhance customer experience.
At the end of the Hackathon, three successful innovative ideas will get quick access to Wave 2 of QFTH’s flagship Incubator Programme, an exclusive platform providing a wide range of support to fintechs and entrepreneurs who are interested in Financial Technologies and to grow and tap into the opportunities within Qatar, as well as global markets.
QFTH has already started receiving applications for the second round of the Hackathon as submissions will close on January 31. The first week of February will witness the meetings and discussions among the teams and mentors, and participants will have the chance to deliver their final pitches on February 7.
Winners will be announced on February 10. The fintechs will then receive support to turn their ideas to reality and accelerate their business as they play a key role in revolutionising the fintech industry in Qatar and beyond.
To participate in the Hackathon, register at https://fintech.qa/index.php/program/hackathon/.
Catering to fintech entrepreneurs and startups worldwide who are looking for a launch pad and a hub in the Middle East to accelerate their growth, the QFTH incubator and accelerator programmes have received tremendous traction during Wave 1 with over 750 applications from 72 countries.
Through the incubator and accelerator programmes, participating fintechs will have access to financial and in-kind support of up to $250,000, receive support in commercial establishment by registration and license fee waiver, and assistance in setting up their business in Qatar, while being referred to Qatar Central Bank’s Sandbox.
Enrolled fintechs will also get access to global mentors from over 12 countries and a series of high-level masterclasses conducted by QFTH partners and renowned speakers from across the world, in addition to a range of Proof of Concept (PoC) and collaboration opportunities with over 10 local financial institutions, payment networks and technology partners.
Direct Applications are also still open for Wave 2 of these flagship world-class programmes through www.fintech.qa.
QFTH aims to develop the fintech industry in Qatar, in accordance with the Qatar National Fintech Strategy created by Qatar Central Bank, and to contribute and reiterate Qatar’s position as a leading international fintech hub in the region, as outlined in Qatar’s National Vision 2030. Wave 2 of the incubator and accelerator programmes will focus on emerging technologies for financial services.
As part of its commitment to offer world-class expertise to participating fintechs, QFTH is continuously collaborating with strategic stakeholders within the fintech ecosystem, including financial institutions, technology providers, payment networks, global fintech hubs, academia, and regulators.
Microsoft is participating as programme technology partner and other recent partnerships include Amazon, Progress Soft, Vodafone, and Global Positioning System, among others.
For more information about QFTH, visit www.fintech.qa
