Applications open for startAD’s Fintech Corporate Sprint Accelerator 9

StartAD, the Abu Dhabi-based joint partnership accelerator between New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) and Tamkeen, has announced that applications are now open for the ninth edition of its Corporate Sprint Accelerator (CSA 9).

Held in partnership with Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI), the three-week market access accelerator will enable global startups to set up in the UAE. Accepted startups will be sponsored to travel to the UAE and showcase their ventures at GITEX, which will run from October 10-14, this year.

The engagement will also include training, networking, brand building, and one-on-one meetings with prominent investors, media and sought-after members of the region’s startup ecosystem.

In addition, participants will have the opportunity to win the XRPL grant to work on solutions for the open source, decentralised and permissionless public blockchain – worth $25,000, through a fast-tracked application process.

Apply now to get access to specialized training, networking, brand building, and investment opportunities along with the golden chance to qualify for the prestigious XPRL grant worth USD 25k.

More at: https://t.co/dcaBYk5Hu2#CSA9 #CSA2022

— startAD (@startADNYUAD) July 15, 2022

StartAD MD and NYUAD research professor of engineering, Ramesh Jagannathan said: “CSA 9 offers the most cutting-edge fintech startups a platform to put their best foot forward in the GCC, by opening doors to business deals and partnerships with leading local corporations, preparing startups for the region’s regulatory framework, providing access to investment opportunities, and building their network in the global financial services and startup ecosystem.”

Lauren Weymouth, director of University Partnerships at Ripple, said, “In partnership with startAD, Ripple is excited to support fintech startups leveraging blockchain and crypto to develop new use cases and businesses that solve real-world problems.

“These technologies will play a pivotal role in the future of finance, and entrepreneurs have a tremendous opportunity to make a global impact by building innovative solutions that will usher in a more inclusive and accessible financial system.”

The programme is open to startups building solutions or technologies in the fintech space. Participants will be at the pre-seed or seed rounds of growth, having completed the product development phase with a ready minimum viable product in place. A minimum of two team members is required, giving them the capability to dedicate resources to the program.

Focus areas for CSA 9 include but are not limited to blockchain-powered applications, P2P lending, insurance, digital distribution platforms for financial products, cryptocurrencies and remittances, identity and authentication, payment gateways, financial education, and financial inclusion.

Applications close on August 28.