UKFinnovator
Turn ideas into real FinTech solutions. Collaborate. Prototype. Pitch.
A regional FinTech innovation competition for students
UKFinnovator is a dynamic, two-day innovation hackathon designed to connect talented university students with real-world challenges from industry. The event is open to ALL disciplines – developers, designers, business thinkers, policy experts, creatives, analysts, and problem-solvers of every kind.
Who you’ll be working with
UKFinnavator supporters and Challenge Setters
The Challenges
Cambridge Spark (Reg Tech Focus)- Reimagine financial regulation in an AI-driven world – designing solutions that help regulators balance innovation with consumer protection and market integrity.
Maxwell Data (Sustainable Finance Focus) – Build a data-driven prototype to support better sustainable investment decisions – turning complex ESG insights into clear, actionable recommendations for decision-makers.
Turin Tech AI – SAiFE Sandbox (Financial Resilience and Stability Focus) – Design and test your own trading strategy in a simulated DeFi environment – competing to create the most robust and profitable approach under different market conditions.
Ripple (Game-Changing Technologies Focus) – Create the next generation of financial applications using blockchain – combining multiple XRPL features to build a working prototype that solves real-world problems.
London UKFinnovator
Event Details
13 – 14th June 2026
Imperial College London
Saturday 9:00am – 9pm, Sunday 9am – 5pm
Food provided all weekend
Deadline to apply: 8am 25th May 2026
Ready to innovate, collaborate, and test your ideas with real companies?
Join cross-disciplinary teams, work on real industry challenges, and compete for prizes and post-hackathon support.
Cash Prizes
Winning teams receive cash prizes for their innovative solutions.
Industry Connections
Network with innovators, mentors, investors, and company leaders.
Want to Learn More?
Previous UKFinnovator Events
UKFinnovator: When Vision Meets Reality
Last weekend, the UKFin+ Network delivered its first UKFinnovator at the University of Birmingham. More than 300 students applied, and 130 were selected from across the UK, some travelling significant distances to take part. They worked in multidisciplinary teams on live challenges set by companies. Instead of hypothetical case studies, students worked on genuine business…