This criterion evaluates the originality of the proposed solutions. Judges will look for bold, groundbreaking ideas that introduce fresh approaches to solving fintech challenges. Out-of-the-box thinking and creative problem-solving will be highly rewarded.
IDDA Hackathon 2
The IDDA Hackathon 2 is a 48-hour fintech innovation marathon powered by Tenity and IDDA.
19 – 21 December 2025
From Azerbaijan
to the world
The IDDA Hackathon is more than just a competition – it’s a 48-hour fintech innovation marathon where students, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts come together to tackle pressing financial challenges and transform ideas into actionable solutions. By fostering collaboration across diverse skill sets, the hackathon provides a launchpad for the next wave of fintech startups in Azerbaijan.
- Fostering Innovation
Building an ecosystem where creative business ideas and fintech product concepts don’t just start—they grow into real-world solutions.
- Spotting Talent & Teams
Simplifying the evaluation process for identifying high-potential founders and teams, while giving companies a testing ground for innovative ideas.
- Accelerating Growth
Creating industry-specific opportunities, supporting the journey from idea to market, and catalyzing growth for fintech entrepreneurs.
About IDDA
Innovation and Digital Development Agency or IDDA acts as an enabler which spearheads digital transformation initiatives in Azerbaijan fostering a holistic local innovation ecosystem and strengthening the overall digital infrastructure. Its primary focus is to accelerate the pace of digitalization, innovation, particularly startup growth, and venture investment climate. Additionally, the Agency is committed to enhancing accessible educational and career opportunities in the ICT sector by facilitating access to modern technologies and solutions. A significant focus is also placed on establishing and organizing the frameworks necessary for a digital government and a digital society, which are key strategic directions for IDDA.
Program Timeline
Applications open
16 October 2025
Application Deadline
12 December 2025
Hackathon
19 -21 December 2025
Hackathon Demo Day
21 December 2025
Evaluation Criteria
1. Innovation and Creativity
2. User Experience and Engagement
Participants’ solutions will be assessed on their ability to deliver a seamless and engaging user experience. Intuitive design, smooth navigation, and features that enhance customer or partner engagement will stand out in this category.
3. Feasibility and Technical Viability
Judges will consider how realistic and achievable the solutions are. Ideas that demonstrate a clear understanding of technical requirements, resource needs, and integration into existing financial systems will score higher.
4. Commercial Potential
Solutions will be evaluated on their market fit and ability to scale. Judges will prioritize concepts that have a strong value proposition, revenue potential, and long-term sustainability within the fintech ecosystem.
5. Teamwork and Presentation
The strength of the team and clarity of their pitch are critical. Judges will assess collaboration, communication, and the ability to present ideas in a compelling and professional way. Passion, expertise, and alignment with the hackathon’s goals will also be taken into account.
Why participate?
$4,500 Prize Pool
Win from a total prize pool of $4,500, with rewards for the top three teams — $2,000 for the 1st place, $1,500 for the 2nd, and $1,000 for the 3rd.
Ecosystem Visibility
Gain exposure within the Azerbaijani and international fintech ecosystem, opening doors to future collaborations.
Networking
Engage with 600+ investors, corporates, and ecosystem partners through Tenity’s global community and IDDA’s local network.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with like-minded peers, industry experts, corporates, and investors throughout the hackathon.
Mentorship from Experts
Work side by side with experienced mentors who will guide you through ideation, prototyping, and pitching.
Pathway to Incubation
The most promising teams will have the chance to advance into the IDDA Incubation Program for further support.
Our Focus Topics
Digital Payments & Remittances
SMEs in Azerbaijan still lack affordable digital payment tools, and cross-border remittances remain slow and costly. Problem Statements: *How can SMEs access fast, low-cost digital payment infrastructure for both local and international transactions? *How can remittances between the Azerbaijani diaspora and the home country be made faster and cheaper, potentially through crypto-enabled solutions?
SME Financing & Alternative Lending
SMEs struggle to access credit from traditional banks due to strict requirements. Real-time data can unlock instant, lower-risk financing opportunities. Problem Statements: *How can real-time data (invoices, sales, supply chain activity) be used to offer instant financing to SMEs? *How can BNPL and alternative lending models scale responsibly while reducing default risk?
Financial Inclusion & Digital Identity
A significant portion of the population remains unbanked. Digital identity and alternative data can expand access to financial services. Problem Statements: *How can alternative data (mobile usage, e-commerce, social signals) help assess creditworthiness for unbanked users? *How can digital ID systems improve access to basic financial services for underserved communities?
Open Banking & AI-Powered Services
Azerbaijan is preparing its open banking framework, creating opportunities for API-driven, AI-powered financial services. Problem Statements: *How can open banking enable personalized financial recommendations for users? *How can AI predict customer behavior and deliver proactive budgeting, savings, and financial guidance tools?
RegTech & Cybersecurity
Compliance requirements (KYC/AML) and data security needs are becoming increasingly complex. Problem Statements: *How can KYC/AML processes be automated to make them faster, more efficient, and less resource-heavy? *How can user data and digital assets be protected from fraud, cyber threats, and unauthorized access?
Digital Banking & Wealth Management
Digital banks are emerging, but young users still lack accessible investment tools and integrated financial management experiences. Problem Statements: *How can micro-investing and robo-advisory tools become appealing and accessible to first-time investors? *How can payments, savings, and investment features be combined into one seamless digital banking experience?
InsurTech Innovations
Insurance penetration remains low in Azerbaijan, especially among youth and low-income groups. Problem Statements: *How can simple, affordable micro-insurance products be designed for young or underserved users? *How can IoT-powered real-time data improve risk assessment, dynamic pricing, and fraud prevention in insurance?
Tokenization & Digital Assets
Azerbaijan is developing its digital asset regulations, opening the door for tokenization of real-world assets. Problem Statements: *How can real assets (real estate, gold, commodities) be tokenized for secure fractional ownership? *What infrastructure is needed to store, manage, and transfer digital assets safely and compliantly?
Requirements
Who can participate?
- Open to individuals or teams
- Ideal for students, developers, designers, business developers, product managers,and aspiring entrepreneurs
- Interest in fintech and technology is expected
- Commitment to actively participate during the 48-hour hackathon weekend
- Participants must be over 18 years of age
- Teams should consist of 4–6 people
Hack the future of Fintech in Azerbaijan and beyond