Alpha Bank has opened applications for FinQuest 2026, its flagship innovation competition designed to identify startups, fintech companies and scale-ups developing technologies that can reshape banking. Applications remain open until September 20, with the programme now positioned around a broader European mandate.

A European Search For Banking Innovation

This year’s edition is explicitly focused on solutions emerging across the continent. Alpha Bank is inviting companies operating in different European markets to bring forward ideas that address some of the sector’s most pressing challenges, from operational efficiency and fraud prevention to customer experience and new digital business models.

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At the centre of the competition is artificial intelligence, which will serve as the foundation for proposals across four thematic areas.

Four Priority Areas For Applicants

AI First Banking & Value Transformation is aimed at solutions that use artificial intelligence, automation and advanced analytics to improve productivity, strengthen decision-making and generate measurable business value across banking operations.

Fraud Zero & Digital Trust focuses on technologies that enhance fraud prevention, cybersecurity, digital identity and trust within the digital banking ecosystem, while preserving a seamless customer experience.

Next Generation Customer Experience seeks ideas that redefine how customers interact with banks through personalised, simple and integrated services across physical and digital channels. Technologies such as conversational AI, hyper-personalisation and digital onboarding are central to this track.

Open Innovation & Emerging Technologies is designed for breakthrough technologies that can create new opportunities for financial services, unlock additional sources of value and accelerate the next phase of banking innovation.

What The Winning Teams Receive

The overall winner will be offered the chance to develop a pilot project with Alpha Bank, working alongside the bank’s business and technology teams to test the solution in a live banking environment. The winning team will also gain access to key business stakeholders and the opportunity to explore a broader commercial partnership with the group.

Alpha Bank will award the top team a cash prize of €15,000 to support further development of the solution.

After applications close, a specialist evaluation committee will review all submissions and select six proposals to move forward. Those shortlisted teams will then enter a two-month accelerator programme in October and November 2026, which will include mentoring, workshops, networking opportunities and ongoing support.

The finalists will present their solutions at a dedicated innovation event, where the judging panel will select the three winning teams.

Why The Programme Matters Beyond The Prize

Alpha Bank said the benefits extend well beyond the final ranking. Finalist teams will have direct access to executives actively searching for innovative technologies and may, regardless of placement, be selected for pilot projects or future commercial discussions.

The bank described the programme as an opportunity for participating teams to engage directly with one of the largest banking groups in Southeast Europe, gaining access to decision-makers and business stakeholders inside the organisation.

Participants will also receive feedback from experienced bank executives, expand their networks across the banking and fintech ecosystem and work on real-world business needs and current use cases.