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MENA Insurtech & Fintech Startup Competition 2026
- by
- EgyptInnovate
- Published at
Problem
The MENA Insurtech & Fintech Startup Competition 2026 is a regional competition showcasing startups transforming insurance, finance, payments, and AI-driven financial services. The program highlights three core tracks:
Insurtech
Solutions transforming how insurance is designed, priced, distributed, and managed.
Focus areas include:
- Digital underwriting & claims automation
- Usage-based & embedded insurance
- Parametric & microinsurance
- AI for fraud, onboarding & pricing
Fintech
Innovations redefining financial access, payments, and wealth management.
Focus areas include:
- Digital banking, payments & wallets
- Lending, BNPL, credit scoring
- Wealthtech, savings & robo-advisory
- Open banking & financial infrastructure
AI for Financial Services
AI-driven innovation in compliance, customer experience, risk management, and decision-making.
Focus areas include:
- ML for risk management
- Generative AI for CX & compliance
- Predictive analytics & automation
- Regtech & fraud prevention
The competition is part of the annual MENA Insurtech & Fintech Summit and brings together founders, investors, insurers, banks, policymakers, and global ecosystem partners.
Requirements and Constraints
Eligibility Criteria
- Startups must fall into one of the three tracks:
Insurtech, Fintech, or AI for Financial Services - Stage requirements:
- Category A: Seed → Series A (live product + traction)
- Category B: Pre-seed / Early-stage (MVP or pilot in development)
- Geographic focus:
- Startups must be MENA-based or actively serving MENA markets
- Team criteria:
- At least one team member must be available to pitch live or virtually
Link of Application
Expected Deliverables
Shortlisted startups are expected to:
- Provide a booth at the Startup Pavilion: A standard booth to showcase the startup (Category A & B).
- Deliver a Live Pitch on the Main Stage: Category B startups pitch live to a jury and audience.
- Participate in Meetings & Matchmaking: Pre-arranged meetings with VCs, insurers, banks, and enterprise partners.
- Submit Company Information for Publishing: Startups will be listed on the event website, app, and marketing channels.
- Attend Mentor & Investor Sessions: Opportunities for feedback, Q&A, and business development.
Deadline & Reward
Ends
All submissions must be completed by Friday, January 30, 2026 at 12:00 AM. Late entries may not be considered.
Shortlisted startups receive benefits based on their participation category. The rewards include direct exposure, B2B matchmaking, pitching opportunities, media visibility, and access to industry stakeholders across the MENA region.
Category A — Seed to Series A: Startups in this category receive:
- 1 Standard booth at the startup pavilion
- Pre-arranged meetings with VCs and insurers/banks
- Roundtable sessions with investors (by invitation only)
- 3 complimentary summit passes
- Access to the event’s B2B matchmaking app
- Company listing on the summit website, event app, and social media
- Winners announced to a regional & international database
- Opportunity to join the MENA Insurtech Accelerator (Insurtech track winners only)
- Eligibility for multiple awards, including:
- Best Startup
- Top Pitch
- QIC Digital Innovation Award
- Invitation to satellite events and international showcases
Category B — Pre-Seed & Early Stage
Startups in this category receive:
- 1 Standard booth at the startup pavilion
- 5-minute live pitch on the Pitch Stage + Jury Q&A
- Roundtable sessions with investors (by invitation only)
- 3 complimentary summit passes
- Access to the event’s B2B matchmaking app
- Company listing on the summit website, event app, and social media
- Winners announced to a regional & international database
- Potential Proof-of-Concept (POC) opportunities with sponsors and partners
- Eligibility for multiple awards, including:
- Best Startup
- Top Pitch
- QIC Digital Innovation Award
- Invitation to satellite events and international showcases