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Shenzhen FinTech Competition 2026 for Global Innovators offers an exciting opportunity for university students who want to develop new ideas in financial technology and artificial intelligence (AI). The competition, also known as the Shenzhen International FinTech Competition (FinTechathon), welcomes eligible students from universities outside China. Moreover, students from different academic backgrounds can participate, so you do not need to study finance or computer science to apply. The main theme for the international track is “AI as a Financial Participant.” Also apply for Canadian Government Scholarships 2026 in Canada (Fully Funded).
The competition gives students a chance to work in teams, solve real-world financial problems, and present their ideas to experts. In addition, shortlisted teams will receive travel and accommodation support for the grand final in Shenzhen, China. The international track also offers a total prize pool of RMB 250,000. Therefore, this competition may be a valuable opportunity for students who want to gain practical experience, improve their teamwork skills and explore careers in AI and financial technology.
What Is the Shenzhen FinTech Competition?
The Shenzhen International FinTech Competition is a university-focused competition that encourages students to develop innovative solutions for the financial technology sector. It brings together ideas from AI, digital finance and financial services.
For 2026, the organisers have introduced an international track for students studying at universities outside China. As a result, eligible students from countries such as Pakistan can participate if they meet the competition rules. Furthermore, the international track uses English as its official language. Therefore, participants do not need Chinese-language proficiency to take part.
The competition focuses on practical ideas rather than theory alone. Teams should identify a real problem, develop an AI-based solution and explain how their idea could help people or businesses. Must check Coca Cola Scholarship 2027 in USA (Funded).
Shenzhen FinTech Competition 2027 Detailed:
| Offered by: | FinTechathon |
| Team Size: | 2–5 members |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | China |
| Last date: | 20 October 2026 |
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Benefits of Shenzhen FinTech Competition
- Shortlisted international finalists receive travel support to attend the grand final in Shenzhen, China.
- Finalists receive accommodation support for the grand final period.
- Prize money: The international track offers a total prize pool of RMB 250,000.
- First prize: RMB 100,000.
- Second prize: RMB 80,000.
- Third prize: RMB 50,000.
- Creativity award: RMB 20,000.
- Finalists have an opportunity to visit WeBank headquarters.
- Develop an AI-based solution for a real financial problem.
- Connect with students, innovators and FinTech professionals.
Competition Topics for Shenzhen FinTech Competition
Teams can choose from six topics under the theme “AI as a Financial Participant.”
1. Personal Finance Assistant
This topic focuses on helping people manage their money. For example, teams could develop an AI tool that tracks spending, creates budgets, analyses bills and provides useful financial insights.
2. Wealth Advisory Agent
Teams can design an AI assistant that helps users compare financial products, understand risk and explore investment options.
3. Cross-Border and Student Finance Assistant
This topic focuses on financial problems faced by international students. For instance, teams could develop tools to help students manage living expenses, understand payments, or compare financial services across countries.
4. Insurance Assistant
Teams can build AI tools that answer insurance questions, explain policy coverage and guide users through claims.
5. SME Finance Copilot
This topic supports small and medium-sized businesses. Teams could create tools that help businesses manage cash flow, understand financing options, or organise financial information.
6. Agent Wallet or Autonomous On-Chain Wallet
This topic focuses on AI-enabled digital wallets that interact with blockchain systems. The organisers give additional consideration to ambitious solutions in this area.
Before selecting a topic, teams should review the official competition rules and choose a problem they can explain clearly and solve realistically.
Eligibility Criteria for Shenzhen FinTech Competition
The international track welcomes students from different countries and academic disciplines. However, every participant must meet the eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled as full-time students at a university outside China.
- Be studying at undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD level.
- Join a team of at least two and no more than five members.
- Ensure that at least 60% of the team members are non-Chinese nationals.
- Participate in only one team.
- Develop a project that fits one of the official competition topics.
Required Documents
- Team name and team leader’s full name
- Names and details of all team members
- University and student-enrolment information
- Chosen competition topic
- Project idea and proposed solution
- Completed official registration form
Application Deadline
The application deadline for Shenzhen FinTech Competition is October 20, 2026.
How to Apply for Shenzhen FinTech Competition?
- Visit the official FinTechathon website.
- Read the eligibility criteria and international-track rules.
- Form a team of 2–5 full-time university students studying outside China.
- Ensure that at least 60% of team members are non-Chinese nationals.
- Choose one of the six official AI and financial technology topics.
- Develop your project idea and proposed solution.
- Download and complete the official registration form.
- Email your application to [email protected].
