Build Innovative Solutions to Real Fintech Challenges
Join Kennesaw State University’s Fintech Hackathon and put your skills to the test! Work in teams to solve real-world challenges in the financial services industry, like improving payment security, boosting financial access, or simplifying compliance. Past student projects have included AI financial coaches, regulation-savvy chatbots, and instant cross-border payment systems. Whether you're into coding, design, or business strategy, this is your chance to innovate, collaborate, and make an impact. Why wait for the future of digital payments when you can help build it today?
A panel of expert judges of academics and working fintech professionals will evaluate
each pitch, awarding the following prizes:
1stPlace: $4000 2ndPlace: $3000 3rdPlace: $2000
What You’ll Do
Assume the role of fintech consultants and develop a pitch for your boardroom
Solve a case representing a real-world fintech challenge
Follow a structured process using a provided Product & Requirements Plan template.
Use your strengths in business analysis, product management, systems thinking, or
tech.
Collaborate across disciplines. The event is open to students from all backgrounds,
not just coders.
Build an optional prototype (wireframes, mockups, clickable demos, or a simple app)
if you have the skills
Who Can Participate
The hackathon is open to all students in the USG. Those that can participate are those in FinTech and FinTech adjacent programs. Essentially, anyone can join as long as they have some knowledge of Financial Technologies or the ability to gain the knowledge prior to the event.
Members of the KSU Fintech Payments Club
Students in KSU’s Master of Science in Digital Financial Technologies Program
Invited Students from Other USG Institutions
Hackathon Judging Criteria
Team apps will be judged on the following criteria:
30% for the Problem Understanding & Framing: Ability to clearly identify the problem and articulate user and stakeholder needs.
15% for Product Plan: Ability to clearly define the product vision, value and key features.
15% for Requirements Plan: Ability to clearly define functional and non-functional requirements, supported by user stories and use cases.
30% for Solution Feasibility & Innovation: Is the solution balanced with creativity, innovation, scalability, and viability.
20% for Market and Business Strategy Clarity: Are the strategies clearly defined (i.e., go-to-market and business model).
20% for Presentation and Communication: Is the presentation clear, concise, organized, and compelling?
(Bonus) 5% for Prototype and/or MVP: Quality and utility of wireframes, mockups, or working demo.
Hackathon Schedule
Time
Activity
8:00 am – 10:00 am
Check-in & Breakfast
10:00 am – 10:15 am
Opening Remarks
10:15 am – 11:00 am
Welcome Session (Problem Reveal)
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Review of Product & Requirements Templates
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Working Lunch & Mentorship opportunities
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Work Time
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Mini Challenge
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mini Challenge Work & Dinner
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Work Time
Time
Activity
8:00 am – 10:00 am
Check-in & Breakfast
10:00 am – 10:30 am
Opening Remarks
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Work time & Mentorship Opportunities
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch (Registration for pitch)
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Work time (finishing touches)
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Pitches
4:30 pm
Awards and Wrap-up
Register Here
All students who want to participate in the Fintech Hackathon should register individually using the form below. Please complete all registrations by September 30th, 2025.
Thank you for signing up. You will receive a confirmation email shortly.
Raffles
We will have raffles to include an electric bike from Orion Electronics, Inc.
Partnerships
In Partnership with: State of Georgia House of Representatives Technology Infrastructure
Committee
