Are you an early-stage fintech ready to put your innovation in front of Europe's leading banking and payments executives?
Editorial
This content has been selected, created and edited by the Finextra editorial team based upon its relevance and interest to our community.
The EBAday 2027 Fintech Zone offers 16 companies the opportunity to pitch their products live, showcase their solutions and connect with senior industry decision makers. Applications and nominations are now open, with entries free and open to fintechs worldwide.
Hosted by the Euro Banking Association and Finextra, EBAday brings together senior professionals from across the payments and transaction banking ecosystem. Returning to Rome on 15-16 June 2027, the event will once again host the Fintech Zone, a dedicated platform for early-stage companies to demonstrate how their products and ideas can address real challenges across financial services.
Now entering its ninth year, the Fintech Zone will select 16 fintechs to pitch live to an expert judging panel and an audience of senior banking and payments professionals. Each finalist will also receive an exhibition pod within the Fintech Zone, providing a second opportunity to demonstrate their offering and build connections across the EBAday community.
Why apply?
Participation in the Fintech Zone offers early-stage companies the opportunity to:
- Pitch to industry leaders: Present a working product or proof of concept in a live five-minute pitch to an expert judging panel and senior financial services professionals.
- Showcase your innovation: Receive an exhibition pod within the Fintech Zone to demonstrate your product and engage directly with attendees.
- Build valuable connections: Spend two days at EBAday meeting potential banking partners, customers, investors and collaborators.
- Increase your visibility: Benefit from promotion across EBAday and Finextra channels, including shortlist announcements, email communications and social media.
- Compete for the title: One finalist will be crowned the EBAday Fintech Zone Winner, receiving additional recognition and promotional opportunities through EBAday and Finextra.
Who should apply?
The Fintech Zone is looking for ambitious early-stage fintechs developing solutions relevant to banking, payments and financial services. Companies should have a working product, service or proof of concept, alongside a clear use case and value proposition.
Previous applicants are welcome to apply again, although previous Fintech Zone finalists and winners are not eligible to re-enter. Applications are open globally, giving companies from across the international fintech ecosystem the opportunity to take part.
Previous editions of the Fintech Zone have featured innovators working across payments, digital identity, fraud prevention, compliance, open banking, AI, financial crime, data and treasury. Whatever the focus, the opportunity is to demonstrate how a new product or approach could help financial institutions respond to emerging challenges and drive the next wave of industry innovation.
From live pitch to industry recognition
All 16 finalists will be announced through EBAday and Finextra channels, while the two-day format gives participating companies time to pitch, exhibit and network with the wider event audience.
One finalist will be named the EBAday 2027 Fintech Zone Winner, with the announcement made live on the Fintech Zone stage and during the closing session on Day 2. The winner will also receive a dedicated feature article on Finextra.com, a FinextraTV thought leadership interview, digital assets recognising the achievement and the opportunity to exhibit at the following EBAday at a special winner rate.
For early-stage companies looking to raise their profile, validate their proposition and develop relationships with the financial institutions that could help bring their solutions to market, the Fintech Zone offers a platform to turn innovation into opportunity.
Could your fintech be the next winner?
Applications and nominations are now open for the EBAday 2027 Fintech Zone, with entry free of charge. Companies can apply directly, while industry professionals are encouraged to nominate promising fintechs that deserve a place on the stage.
The deadline for applications and nominations is 29 January 2027.
Find out more and apply for the EBAday 2027 Fintech Zone here.