Applications are open for the Shenzhen FinTech Competition 2026, also known as FinTechathon, International Track, an international competition for university students interested in artificial intelligence (AI), financial technology and digital innovation.
Organised by Tsinghua University’s PBC School of Finance in collaboration with WeBank, the competition challenges participants to develop AI-powered solutions to real-world financial problems under the theme “AI as a Financial Participant.”
Successful teams will have the opportunity to present their innovations in Shenzhen, China, connect with other talented students and compete for cash prizes. The programme also lists international round-trip travel and accommodation support for selected participants.
The competition is open to eligible undergraduate, master’s and PhD students enrolled at universities or research institutions outside Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Chinese Taipei.
Interested students should review the eligibility criteria, form a team and submit their application before the stated deadline of 20 October 2026.
Shenzhen FinTech Competition 2026: Overview
- Competition: Shenzhen International FinTech Competition 2026 (FinTechathon)
- Track: International Track
- Host institution: Tsinghua University’s PBC School of Finance
- Industry partner: WeBank
- Location: Shenzhen, China
- Theme: AI as a Financial Participant
- Eligible participants: Undergraduate, master’s and PhD students
- Team size: 2–5 students
- Total advertised prize pool: RMB 250,000
- Participation fee: No registration fee
- Benefits: Cash prizes, international travel and accommodation support, subject to the official rules
- Application deadline: 20 October 2026
- Main event dates: 20–23 November 2026
About the Shenzhen FinTech Competition
The Shenzhen FinTech Competition, also known as FinTechathon, provides a platform for university students to explore how artificial intelligence can transform financial services.
The International Track focuses on the development of practical AI-powered solutions for financial activities, including personal finance management, investment advice, insurance, cross-border payments and financial services for small businesses.
Participants are expected to work collaboratively, apply their technical knowledge and demonstrate how their proposed solutions can address real-world challenges.
The competition also encourages cooperation across universities and academic disciplines, giving students an opportunity to gain international exposure and interact with professionals in the financial technology sector.
For students interested in AI development, fintech entrepreneurship, machine learning, financial innovation and digital banking, the programme offers an opportunity to test their ideas in a competitive environment.
Financial Benefits and Awards
The Shenzhen FinTech Competition 2026 advertises a total prize pool of RMB 250,000, distributed across several award categories.
The listed prizes include:
- First Prize: RMB 100,000
- Second Prize: RMB 80,000
- Third Prize: RMB 50,000
- Best Innovation Award: RMB 20,000
- Excellence Awards: Additional recognition for selected teams
The competition also lists the following benefits for eligible selected participants:
- International round-trip travel support.
- Accommodation during the competition programme.
- Opportunity to compete for cash awards.
- Exposure to the financial technology industry.
- Opportunities to collaborate with students from other countries.
- A platform to demonstrate AI and fintech innovations.
There is no registration fee according to the supplied competition announcement.
Please note that the RMB 250,000 figure represents the total advertised prize pool, not a guaranteed payment to every participant. Prize distribution, travel arrangements, accommodation coverage and other benefits should be confirmed in the official competition guidelines.
Competition Dates and Programme Schedule
The main activities are scheduled to take place in Shenzhen, China, in November 2026.
The announced programme includes:
- 20 November 2026: Participant check-in and visit to WeBank headquarters in Shenzhen.
- 21–23 November 2026: Grand Final and Awards Ceremony in Shenzhen.
Participants should review the official event instructions for the confirmed arrival schedule, presentation requirements, travel arrangements and any activities scheduled before the final.
International applicants should also allow sufficient time to arrange any required travel documents.
Eligibility Requirements
The Shenzhen FinTech Competition 2026 International Track is designed for university students who meet the competition’s participation rules.
Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
- Be a full-time undergraduate, master’s or PhD student.
- Be enrolled at a university or research institution outside Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Chinese Taipei.
- Form a team consisting of two to five students.
- Ensure that at least 60% of the team members are non-Chinese nationals.
- Participate in only one team across the competition’s two tracks.
- Submit all required application materials in English.
Applicants should confirm their eligibility before registering. The official rules should be consulted for further details concerning student status, team composition, nationality requirements and participation conditions.
Students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and other countries may be interested in applying if they satisfy the eligibility requirements.
Competition Topics: Choose One of Six Challenges
Teams are expected to develop a solution around one of the six designated competition topics.
Topic A: Personal Finance Assistant
Develop an AI-powered assistant that helps individuals manage their personal finances, organise expenses and make more informed financial decisions.
Topic B: Wealth Advisory Agent
Explore how AI agents can support wealth management, financial planning and investment-related decision-making.
Topic C: Cross-border and Student Finance Assistant
Create a solution that addresses financial challenges associated with international payments, cross-border transactions or student finances.
Topic D: Insurance Assistant
Design an AI-powered tool that helps users understand insurance products, access relevant information or navigate insurance-related processes.
Topic E: SME Finance Copilot
Develop an AI assistant that supports small and medium-sized enterprises with financial management, business operations or access to financial services.
Topic F: Agent Wallet
Explore autonomous on-chain wallets and AI-driven financial transactions using blockchain technology. The supplied announcement indicates that this topic includes a challenge bonus of zero to five points.
Teams should study the official problem descriptions before selecting a topic. The strongest submissions will need to address the stated problem clearly and demonstrate the practical value of their proposed solution.
Who Should Apply?
The competition may be suitable for students with an interest in artificial intelligence, computer science, software development, fintech, economics, finance, data science, cybersecurity and related fields.
It may also appeal to students who have experience building digital products, developing AI applications or researching how technology can improve financial services.
Applicants should be prepared to collaborate with other students and contribute to a team-based project. Since teams may include students from different academic backgrounds, participants can combine technical expertise with business knowledge and financial analysis.
A strong application should demonstrate a clear understanding of the chosen challenge and explain how the proposed innovation could solve a practical problem.
Application Deadline
The stated application deadline for the Shenzhen FinTech Competition 2026 International Track is 20 October 2026.
The main programme activities are scheduled for 20–23 November 2026 in Shenzhen, China.
Interested students should prepare their teams and application materials as early as possible. Before submitting, confirm the deadline and registration status on the official competition website, as application details may change.
How to Apply for the Shenzhen FinTech Competition 2026
Interested applicants should follow the official competition instructions to complete their registration.
- Visit the official competition website and read the International Track guidelines.
- Review the six challenge topics and select the problem your team intends to address.
- Form a team of two to five eligible students, ensuring that the team satisfies the nationality requirements.
- Develop your proposed AI-powered financial solution in accordance with the selected challenge’s requirements.
- Prepare the required application materials in English.
- Submit the application through the official registration platform before the deadline.
- If selected, follow the organisers’ instructions concerning the final event, travel arrangements, accommodation and presentation requirements.
Applicants should not assume that registration alone guarantees selection, travel funding or a cash award. All participation and funding conditions are governed by the official competition rules
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY.
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