Application Cycle Concluded
The listed deadline for this opening was August 14, 2026. Application criteria, required documents, and preparation guidelines below remain active for upcoming academic cycles. Explore active live openings below.
About this opportunity
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) are accepting applications for the Global FinTech Hackcelerator 2026, a program that pairs early-stage fintech startups with problem statements defined by major financial institutions. Selected teams build working solutions, get mentored by industry experts, and pitch at the Singapore FinTech Festival, one of the largest fintech events in the world. Up to 20 finalist teams are chosen for the program. Each receives a SGD 20,000 stipend to cover participation costs. The top three winners split SGD 80,000 in non-dilutive prize money, meaning they keep full ownership of their company. Winners also get potential pilot opportunities with Corporate Champions, which are large financial institutions looking to test new technology. The program targets startups at the Pre-Seed, Seed, or Series A stage, including bootstrapped companies. MAS is Singapore's central bank and financial regulator. It runs the Hackcelerator as part of its broader effort to make Singapore a global fintech hub. GFTN, its partner, is a nonprofit that connects financial regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders across the world. Together they run a program that is less about winning a prize and more about getting a foot in the door with banks and investors who are hard to reach otherwise. Singapore itself is a compact, expensive city-state with a tropical climate and a strong English-speaking business culture. It is a common regional headquarters for multinational banks and tech firms. For international startups, Singapore offers straightforward visa pathways for business founders, though living costs are among the highest in Asia. The fintech scene is dense, with regular meetups, accelerator demo days, and government-backed funding schemes. Being in Singapore for the festival week puts a startup in front of decision-makers from across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Benefits
- SGD 20,000 stipend for each of the up to 20 finalist teams to support participation expenses
- SGD 80,000 in non-dilutive prize money shared among the top three winning teams
- Potential pilot opportunities with Corporate Champions for the winning teams
- Mentorship and expert guidance from fintech professionals
- Access to structured learning sessions and masterclasses
- Networking with investors, regulators, and technology leaders
- Opportunity to pitch at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2026 before a global audience
- Exposure to Southeast Asia's fintech ecosystem and international markets
Eligibility
- Open to fintech startups from any country
- Must be an early-stage startup operating at Pre-Seed, Seed, or Series A stage
- Bootstrapped startups are welcome to apply
- Must present an innovative, scalable solution addressing current challenges in financial services
- Solutions must respond to industry-defined problem statements from financial institutions and corporate partners
Required Documents
- Application form detailing the startup's solution and business model
- Description of how the proposed solution addresses the relevant industry problem statement
- Information on the startup's current funding stage and company background
How to Apply
- Review the problem statements published by MAS and GFTN for the 2026 cycle.
- Prepare your application, including your startup's solution, stage, and team details.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
Ready to start your application?
Submit your materials before the official deadline.
Verify all official guidelines and eligibility criteria directly with the host institution before submitting. Prepare your transcript evaluation, referee letters, and motivational statement early to avoid deadline bottleneck delays.
Official Application Strategy & Recommended Tools
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in Singapore to Monetary Authority Of Singapore (Mas) And Global Finance & Technology Network (Gftn)'s strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.
