The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has opened applications for the fourth edition of its global hackathon, HaRBInger 2025—Innovation for Transformation.
The initiative invites innovators, developers and fintech professionals to design technology-driven solutions that advance the future of secure and inclusive banking. It reflects RBI’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration, creativity and digital transformation across the financial sector.
Priority areas
This year’s hackathon follows the theme “Secure Banking: Powered by Identity, Integrity, and Inclusivity.” Participants are tasked with addressing three core focus areas: tokenised KYC, offline Central Bank Digital Currency and enhancing trust.
These challenges aim to inspire solutions that strengthen data protection, promote digital inclusion, and build public confidence in emerging financial technologies.
Funding details
Winners in each problem category will receive up to $48,000, while runners-up will be awarded up to $24,000.
A special $24,000 prize will also be given to the best all-woman team to encourage greater female participation in fintech innovation.
Additionally, shortlisted teams entering the prototype phase will receive a $6,000 stipend to support the development and testing of their solutions.
Who can apply
The hackathon welcomes applications from:
● Individual innovators and developers
● Fintech startups and established companies
● Academic researchers and students with strong technical backgrounds
● Multidisciplinary teams passionate about secure digital finance
How to apply
Applicants must submit their entries online through the official HaRBInger 2025 – Innovation for Transformation portal. Proposals should clearly define the problem, proposed solution, expected outcomes and scalability potential.
Shortlisted teams will be contacted directly by the RBI for further mentorship and engagement in the next phase.
Deadline
Applications close on November 23, 2025.
Discover more global competitions on our Opportunities page.
Summary not available at this time.
