GIFT City Launches 2nd Fintech Program, Targets 250 Startups
Startup team actively collaborating in a modern office with city views.
Key Highlights
GIFT City’s second Fintech Residential Programme is underway, a 6-month hybrid initiative designed to support 250 early-stage fintech startups over four years.
GIFT City has officially launched the second cohort of its Fintech Residential Programme, a six-month hybrid initiative specifically designed to empower and support early-stage fintech startups. This strategic program aims to cultivate innovative solutions across critical financial technology domains, reinforcing GIFT City’s long-term vision to nurture 250 such startups over the next four years.
Programme Structure and Strategic Focus
The Fintech Residential Programme is facilitated through the GIFT International Fintech Innovation Hub (GIFT IFIH) and is open to a diverse range of startups, spanning from the initial idea stage to those with a pre-product, minimum viable product (MVP), or early validation. This inclusive approach ensures that a broad spectrum of emerging fintech ventures can benefit from the initiative.
The program’s hybrid structure is meticulously crafted to maximize impact. It includes an intensive three-month in-person residency at GIFT City, providing participants with direct access to its comprehensive ecosystem, followed by three months of virtual support. This blend aims to foster robust product development, achieve essential market validation, and facilitate deeper, more meaningful engagement within the broader fintech community.
Applications for the second cohort commenced on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, and will close on July 5, 2026. This application window provides eligible startups with the opportunity to join a program focused on developing solutions in high-demand areas such as cross-border finance, enhanced security protocols, risk and compliance frameworks, advanced Web3 and blockchain infrastructure, as well as GovTech and RegTech.
Leadership Perspective and Growth Ambitions
Sanjay Kaul, the Managing Director and Group CEO of GIFT City, underscored the significant opportunities emerging at the intersection of finance, technology, and regulation within the financial services sector. He articulated the program’s core mission, stating, “The Fintech Residential Programme is committed to empowering founders to develop solutions for both domestic and global markets, leveraging the comprehensive ecosystem available at GIFT City.”
GIFT IFIH’s commitment extends beyond this cohort, with ambitious plans to support a cumulative total of 250 fintech startups over the next four years. This forward-looking strategy highlights GIFT City’s dedication to fostering a dynamic environment for innovation and growth within the global fintech landscape, positioning it as a pivotal hub for future financial technology advancements.