Fintech Institute and Innovation Hub Launched at GIFT City.

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) announced the establishment of the GIFT International Fintech Institute (GIFT IFI) and the GIFT International Fintech Innovation Hub (GIFT IFIH), a fintech-focused incubator and accelerator backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The GIFT IFI, spearheaded by a consortium led by Ahmedabad University in partnership with IIT Gandhinagar and the University of California, San Diego, will launch training programs in January 2025.

These programs are designed to equip finance professionals with cutting-edge skills aligned with industry demands, paving the way for high-growth careers in global finance.

GIFT IFIH, managed by the global accelerator Plug and Play, will provide start-ups with vital resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them thrive in the competitive fintech landscape. Together, GIFT IFI and IFIH aim to support India’s fintech sector by offering industry-standard training, fostering innovation, and creating an inclusive ecosystem, particularly empowering women entrepreneurs.

These initiatives will also drive applied research and industry collaboration to meet the evolving needs of the fintech industry, further solidifying GIFT City as a hub for fintech innovation and excellence.

Professor Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor of Ahmedabad University, emphasized that the partnership will “build new talent at scale” through programs that combine industry and academic expertise. Manav Narang, Head of Financial Services for Plug and Play APAC, expressed excitement about creating a “collaborative platform” that unites banks, payments companies, and venture capital firms to foster the growth of India’s fintech sector and nurture future unicorns.

HBL