The CFI Innovation Lab offers cash prizes and free mentorship in a competition open to all university students at UC Merced who want to design products and services which address challenges within the fintech field. Every other quarter, we offer a challenge that focuses on building fintech solutions around a specific topic suggested by the members of the CFI network.

The CFI Innovation encourages students to design products and services to improve financial access for all people. The challenge topic is chosen in collaboration with CFI network members, who identify the most pressing challenges. Students work in teams and will be given the opportunity to present their designs to panels consisting of industry and academic leaders and discuss possible further collaborations with interested industry partners. Cash prizes will be awarded to the team that provides the most innovative, feasible, and effective solution.

If you would like to contribute as a judge or have a potential topic for a challenge, please contact us. The Innovation Lab is your opportunity to shape future designers and developers of fintech solutions that meet your needs.