Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH), founded by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) to support the growth of the fintech industry in Qatar, is inviting all entrepreneurs and fintech from Qatar and around the world to apply to its fourth Hackathon.

Under the theme Next Generation Banking, the Hackathon aims to find solutions that cater to four main challenges: helping financial institutions increase revenue and reduce cost, helping financial institutions use data-driven insights to create better products, enhance customer experience, and provide innovative market-first payment solutions for a seamless sports fan experience in collaboration with Visa.

Visa as Challenge Partner

In this edition, the QFTH Hackathon Wave 4 brings on board Visa as a Challenge Partner who will also open their Fast-Track Incubator programme to the winner of the Visa Challenge. Three successful innovative ideas will get fast track access to Wave 4 of the QFTH flagship Incubator Program, an exclusive platform providing a wide range of support to fintech and entrepreneurs who are interested in financial technologies, allowing them to grow and tap into the opportunities within Qatar as well as global markets.

QDB Acting CEO Abdulrahman Al Sowaidi said that QFTH Hackathons are one of the most successful and exciting activities across the fintech communities. In addition to their fast nature that evokes the creativity of the participants, the Hackathon also helps them focus on solutions dedicated to key challenges and gaps available in the local market. He said that such kind of initiatives enables them to further develop the entrepreneurship sector that will contribute to the fulfilment of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Alex McCrea, Vice President and Head of Digital Partnerships and Ventures in CEMEA at Visa, said they are delighted to partner with Qatar FinTech Hub on this Hackathon and for the opportunity that this brings Visa to support the fintech ecosystem in Qatar. By joining Visa’s Fintech Fast Track programme, he said that the winner of this challenge will gain unprecedented access to Visa experts, technology and the resources that fintech need to scale with efficiency.

Shortlisted candidates will receive guidance and mentorship on their proposals and will do their final pitches on 10 March. Winners will receive support to turn their ideas into reality and to play a key role in revolutionising the fintech industry in Qatar and beyond.

Earlier this month, QFTH concluded Wave 3 with a virtual Demo Day attended by many local and regional stakeholders. The event featured presentations from 16 fintech companies.

QFTH Incubator and Accelerator Programmes

QFTH Incubator and Accelerator Programs provide participating fintech access to financial and in-kind support as well as a wide global mentor network from over 14 countries. The programmes offer 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 and collaboration opportunities with over 15 financial institutions, payment networks technology partners and large corporations.

Wave 4 of the Incubator and Accelerator Programmes will focus on emerging technologies or co-innovating solutions for existing challenges in the following focus areas: Payment Solutions, Regulatory Technology, Islamic Finance and Solution for SME.

As part of its commitment to offering world-class expertise to participating fintech, QFTH is continuously collaborating with strategic stakeholders. Microsoft is participating as a programme technology partner.

For more information about QFTH, visit their website at fintech.qa


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