IIT Kanpur, Ericsson India launch National Fintech Hackathon 2026 to advance digital payment solutions

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 programme is intended to support the development of digital payment solutions focusing on security, interoperability, and accessibility.

The Hackathon is the first initiative under Ericsson’s Fintech Developer Hub. As per the official press release, the participants across India will have access to Ericsson APIs, mentorship from industry experts, and problem statements addressing digital payment security and user experience.

The programme is designed to encourage solutions for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), multilingual interfaces, and low-connectivity environments.

“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, under Ericsson’s Mobile Financial Services division, will allow startups and developers to prototype, test, and scale digital payment solutions. The collaboration with FIRST, IIT Kanpur, combines industry knowledge with academic research to support India’s role in global fintech development.

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Hackathon provides tools for innovators

Pavan Bachwal, Head of Ericsson Mobile Financial Services, said the hackathon will provide innovators with tools and support to address real-world digital payment challenges. “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.

According to the official press release, Deepu Philip, Professor-in-Charge, FIRST, IIT Kanpur, stated that the collaboration will give startups and young innovators access to mentorship, technology, and industry insights to build 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.