Sustainable futures, inclusive founders
Supporting founders and startups using technology to advance financial inclusion, diversity, sustainability, and responsible innovation.
ESG & Founder Inclusion Scholarship Program
Innovation can do more than transform financial services. It can help address some of the world's biggest social, environmental, and economic challenges.
That's why Finovate created its scholarship program: to give promising startups advancing financial inclusion, diversity, sustainability, and responsible innovation the opportunity to showcase their technology on the Finovate stage.
Scholarship recipients join the lineup of selected companies at the event, showcasing real technology in action through live product demos—not startup pitches.
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 select companies for these scholarships, granting them complimentary demo participation. Interested companies should apply through the application form above when available.
Eligibility: Fintech and tech companies founded on or after June 30, 2022, with with less than $7M in total funding and less than $2M in annual revenue. All distribution channels are considered (B2B, B2C, B2B2C, etc.).
Environmental
For companies developing technology that addresses climate, environmental, or green-finance challenges.
Governance
For companies advancing responsible governance, transparency, or leadership.
Selected for 2026: McCarthy Hatch
BIPOC Founded
Female Founded
For companies founded by women.
Selected for 2026: Goodbuy and Kita Technologies
Frequently asked questions
When is the application deadline?
Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Applications will remain open until all available scholarships have been awarded.
If the scholarship you applied for is no longer available, or if you’re not selected for your requested scholarship, we can still consider your application for a traditional demo, if you’re interested.
When will we know if our application has been selected for a scholarship?
We review scholarship applications on a rolling basis. We’ll confirm your selection status within 30 days of receiving your application.
Is a scholarship demo different from a traditional demo?
Scholarship recipients receive the same traditional demo package, along with additional marketing, branding, and recognition as part of the scholarship program.
Can we apply for both a scholarship and a traditional demo?
No. Please apply through the program that best fits your company. Scholarship applications are considered separately from traditional demo applications.
If we've already been selected for a traditional demo, can we still apply for the scholarship?
No. Scholarship consideration is only available to companies that apply specifically for a scholarship. Companies selected for a paid demo are not eligible to apply for a scholarship after selection.
Can a scholarship demo win Best of Show?
Yes. Scholarship demos are eligible for Best of Show voting alongside all other demos. Scholarship recipients have won Best of Show in previous years.
Can we receive a scholarship for more than one event?
No. To give as many startups as possible the opportunity to participate, each company may receive a scholarship only once.
My company doesn’t fit your scholarship categories, but I still believe our initiative is a worthy cause.
We review our scholarship categories annually. If you believe your company or initiative should be considered for the program, please reach out to tell us what you’re focused on and why you believe it warrants inclusion.
Does Finovate cover travel or accommodation costs for scholarship recipients?
No. Travel and accommodation costs are not covered, so please keep this in mind when applying for a scholarship.
