DIFC Innovation Hub kicks off FinTech Accelerator Programme 2023

Image: Dubai Media Office/ DIFC

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) launched the ninth edition of DIFC Innovation Hub’s FinTech Accelerator Programme.

The 2023 edition focuses on open banking and AI, automation, innovative payment solutions, hyper-personalisation and customer experience to enhance financial literacy.

A total of 20 startups will be onboarded this year. They will gain access to some of the region’s leading banks and insurance companies, as well as networking and mentorship opportunities.

Key highlights of the FinTech Accelerator Programme

The FinTech Accelerator Programme will open with an in-person bootcamp at the DIFC Innovation Hub, packed with workshops led by industry experts and thought leaders.

The workshops will provide insights into local laws and regulations, upcoming market trends, technology trends, recruitment strategies, and funding avenues.

Programme partners this year include Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company, Emirates NBD, Emirates Post Group, HSBC, Mauritius Commercial Bank, Visa and Zurich.

Mohammad AlBlooshi, CEO of the DIFC Innovation Hub, said: “We are excited to announce the ninth edition of the FinTech Accelerator Programme with the support of our partners representing the very best of financial institutions and drivers of innovation in the region. The FinTech Accelerator Programme is not just about promoting innovation, it is about boldly shaping the future of finance with tangible outcomes in collaboration with the start-up community in Dubai. We recognise the tremendous impact startups that are hungry for transformative change have on our financial ecosystem and the wider economy, and we look forward to welcoming the next cohort of entrepreneurs to the DIFC Innovation Hub.”

DIFC Innovation Hub is home to 686 innovation and tech firms, ranging from startups to unicorns. A total of 1,369 financial and innovation related entities are active and operating in DIFC.

The programme empowers startups by helping them transform their ideas into market-ready products and offerings.

More than 3,000 entrepreneurs have participated in the FinTech Accelerator Programme to date, with over 150 fintechs, regtechs, insurtechs and Islamic finance startups successfully graduating from the programme, delivering over 100 proof-of-concepts with top financial institutions in the region.

Startups from around the world fintech and innovation can apply to the FinTech Accelerator Programme.

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