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.
Closed: IDDA Hackathon 1
Partners
The IDDA Hackathon 1 is a 48-hour fintech innovation marathon powered by Tenity and IDDA.
Baku, Azerbaijan
November 14, 2025 – November 16, 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.
Program Timeline
Applications open
16 October 2025
Application Deadline
7 November 2025
Hackathon
14-16 November 2025
Hackathon Demo Day
16 November 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.
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?
Financial Inclusion & Digital ID
Description: Extending financial access to unbanked populations remains a global priority, supported by digital identity tools. Problem Statements: * How can alternative data be used to evaluate creditworthiness for the unbanked? * How can digital identity platforms improve access to basic financial services?
WealthTech & Robo-Advisory
Description: AIpowered robo advisors are helping individuals access low-cost, personalized investment advice. Problem Statements: * How can automated investment tools be made attractive to first-time investors? * How can financial advice become truly adaptive to real-time user behaviour?
InsurTech Innovations
Description: Insurance is being transformed with IoT, usage based products and hyper personalised offers. Problem Statements: * How can simple and affordable micro-insurance be designed for younger demographics? * How can IoT data be used to improve risk assessment and pricing accuracy?
Tokenization & Digital Asset Infrastructure
Description: Tokenizing real world assets offers new ways for people to invest and manage digital wealth. Problem Statements: * How can real estate or physical assets be tokenized to enable fractional ownership? * What infrastructure is needed to safely store and transfer digital assets?
Climate Fintech & Green Finance
Description: Climate conscious financial products are growing as sustainability becomes a defining investment theme. Problem Statements: * How can fintech help individuals or businesses measure and reduce their carbon footprint? * What tools can boost ESG investment and unlock access to green capital?
Sustainability & Diversity
Description: Sustainability and diversity are shaping finance and tech, driving growth and inclusion. Institutions and startups must cut environmental impact while ensuring equal access. Problem Statements: *How can fintech cut footprints? *What tools expand inclusive access? *How can AI reduce bias? *What models drive sustainable behavior?
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
Meet the Team
This Hackathon is over. Check out our other open programs.