Save up to $600
- 00Days
- 00Hrs
- 00Mins
- 00Secs
Sustainable futures, inclusive founders
Spotlighting 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.
Five 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 January 1, 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.
Social
For companies using technology to advance social impact or financial inclusion.
Selected for 2026: Crebit Pay and Kiro Money
Governance
For companies advancing responsible governance, transparency, or leadership.
BIPOC Founded/Owned
For companies founded by BIPOC entrepreneurs.
Selected for 2026: Bluum Finance, Quanto, reativ, Rezliant, and Rulebase
Female Founded/Owned
For companies founded by women.
Selected for 2026: Socratix AI and Syntex
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.
