IIT Kanpur, Ericsson Launch Fintech Hackathon 2026

• IIT Kanpur and Ericsson launch National Fintech Hackathon 2026 to boost innovation.
• Developers gain access to Ericsson APIs, expert mentorship, and fintech challenges.
• Initiative focuses on secure, inclusive digital payments for MSMEs and remote regions.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, through its Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (FIRST), in collaboration with Ericsson India Private Limited, announced the launch of the National Fintech Hackathon 2026.

The initiative seeks to support the development of digital payment solutions that emphasize security, interoperability, and accessibility.

The Hackathon signifies the first endeavor of Ericsson’s Fintech Developer Hub. As stated in the official press release, participants across India will have access to Ericsson APIs, support from industry experts, and challenges targeting digital payment security and user experience. The project focuses on enhancing solutions for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), multilingual platforms, and regions with restricted connectivity.

“By partnering with FIRST, IIT Kanpur, Ericsson underscores India’s growing influence in shaping the global digital economy and its leadership in advancing secure, intelligent, and inclusive financial ecosystems,” the official press release said.

The Fintech Developer Hub, part of Ericsson’s Mobile Financial Services division, will enable startups and developers to design, evaluate, and expand digital payment solutions. The partnership with FIRST, IIT Kanpur, merges industry expertise with scholarly research to enhance India’s contribution to worldwide fintech advancement.

Also Read: Zoho Office Made Mandatory at India’s Education Ministry

Pavan Bachwal, Leader of Ericsson Mobile Financial Services, stated that the hackathon will equip innovators with resources and assistance to tackle genuine digital payments issues. “Our goal is to give the next generation of innovators the tools and support they need to excel, while shaping secure and inclusive financial services for the future,” he said.

As per the official press release, Deepu Philip, Professor-in-Charge, FIRST, IIT Kanpur, mentioned that the partnership will provide startups and young innovators with access to mentorship, technology, and industry insights to develop scalable digital payment solutions.

“This collaboration offers mentorship, industry insights, and access to advanced technology, enabling participants to build scalable and inclusive digital payment solutions. It aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering startups and advancing India’s fintech talent ecosystem,” Philip said.