Sustainability & Inclusion Scholarship Program
Supporting the fintech that supports our world
Spotlighting underrepresented founders and startups tackling climate change, diversity, and financial inclusion.
Sustainable & Inclusive Fintech
As the world’s leading fintech demo event, Finovate has shown first-hand the power fintech has to drive change, and that includes social and environmental changes.
Leading companies and brands are championing financial inclusion, diversity, and sustainability to drive the change they want to see in the world.
That’s exactly why we’ve launched a scholarship program: To highlight and help the individuals and companies driving fintech forward through sustainable and equitable practices.
Selected for FinovateFall 2024, Starlight helps FIs to launch impactful products, deepen member engagement, improve core metrics, and fulfill their social mission. -->
Scholarship Program
With our demo scholarship program, Finovate will spotlight underrepresented founders and startups tackling climate change, diversity, and financial inclusion. Debbie, who won Best of Show at FinovateFall 2022 and 2023, is a great example.
The program will also help us expand our demo line ups to include more voices, more perspectives, and more cutting-edge thinking within fintech, which is an incredibly important initiative.
Scholarship Opportunities
At each event, we’ll select companies for these scholarships, granting them complimentary demo participation. Interested companies should apply through Finovate’s traditional application process and note their scholarship interest on the application form.
To apply for these scholarships, fintech and tech companies must have less than $7M USD in funding. All distribution channels (B2B, B2C, B2B2C) will be considered.
Sustainability
Available to companies creating innovative technology that contributes positively towards sustainability
Environmental
Available to companies pursuing climate-related, environmental, or green fintech
Social
Available to companies with socially conscious fintech solutions
Selected for 2025: Reset
Governance
Available to companies that emphasize responsible governance and leadership
BIPOC Founded/Owned
Female Founded/Owned
Available to companies with female founders or owners
Selected for 2025: Gentreo, Kaaj AI, Krida, MoneyPlanned, and Warrant
Finovate Demo Package: Sales, Connections, and Support
Showcase Your Solution to Senior-Leader Decision-Makers
- 7-minute demo on the main stage during the general session on September 9 or 10, 2026.
- Physical demo stand in the exhibit hall on your demo day, complete with monitor, internet, power, and lead scanning.
- Two passes for your speakers to attend the event.
- 50% discounted passes for your customers and colleagues.
- Chance to win the coveted Best of Show award, a prestigious recognition.
- Video of your demo for your own company usage.
- Demo video hosted on Finovate.com, reaching 530,000+ visitors annually.
Networking Opportunities: Drive Sales and Generate Leads
- Event platform and networking app access to view all attendees, chat and schedule 15-minute meetings hosted in the exhibit hall.
- Lead data and reports for all attendees who watched your live demo, plus demo stand visitors on site and digital engagement through the event platform.
- Attendee titles & organizations list before the event for lead targeting.
- Media & analyst list with contact details shared ahead of time to help you connect with key influencers.
360° Support: Maximize Your Demo’s Impact and ROI
- 30-minute one-on-one coaching for demo skills and format with Greg Palmer.
- 10-minute demo rehearsal on the event stage with full A/V support (September 8).
- Exposure on Finovate's blog and weekly newsletter with 40,000+ visitors/month and 6,500+ newsletter subscribers.
- Company & speaker profiles on the event website with 40,000+ views/month.
- Social media exposure to Finovate's 75,000+ followers and 5,500+ LinkedIn newsletter subscribers, plus 2,900+ YouTube subscribers with 80,000+ views/year.
- Visibility in emails sent to relevant segments of a database of 120,000+ senior fintech decision-makers.
- Lifetime coverage of your company’s future notable events (e.g., product launches, industry awards) to Finovate’s digital community.
What is a demo?
A demo is a live showcase of a company's technology.
More specifically, though, it's the real-time use and operation of the company's software, platform, product, or service. The demo must be conducted in a live computing environment controlled by the company in which user inputs produce observable, immediate responses from the technology.
What's prohibited?
- Pre-recorded representations (including videos, animated simulations, GIFs, screen recordings, or screen captures made to appear interactive).
- Use of slides of any type (including slides hosted on a webpage), videos of any type (including pre-recorded videos of the product/solution/platform/service in operation, whether partial or full), animations, or prototypes (including but not limited to Figma, InVision, or equivalent tools).
- Speaking-only presentations without a demo.
Why is this important?
For nearly 20 years, Finovate has built a dedicated community around live demos. They’re the most effective way for attendees to evaluate your technology and assess its fit for their business. Live demos are what they come to see—and what they expect.
Finovate depends on selected demo companies to deliver the experience attendees deserve and uphold the tradition that sets Finovate apart.
Note: Depending on the type of technology, certain exceptions may be authorized by Finovate and will be done so in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will we know if our application has been selected for a scholarship?
We'll review applications on a rolling basis. At the latest, we'll confirm selection status within 30 days of receiving your application.
When is the application deadline?
Please apply early! We'll review applications for scholarships on a rolling basis.
If you apply for a scholarship that is no longer available or are not selected for your desired scholarship, we can still consider your application for a traditional demo if you'd like us to.
Is a scholarship demo different to a traditional demo?
Scholarship demos will receive the traditional demo package. In addition, they will also receive marketing and branding as part of the scholarship program and recognition.
If we've already been selected for a traditional demo, can we still apply for the scholarship?
Unfortunately, no. Only applications specifically for the scholarships will be considered.
Can a scholarship demo win Best of Show?
Yes, all demos are included in Best of Show voting. Here's more information on how the audience determines Best of Show.
Can we apply for a scholarship for more than one event?
Unfortunately, no. This program aims to give exposure to as many startups as possible. Companies will only receive a scholarship once.
My company doesn’t fit your scholarship categories, but I still believe our initiative is a worthy cause.
We'll evaluate scholarship categories on an annual basis. Please reach out explaining what you are focused on and why you think it warrants inclusion in our scholarship program.
