Citi unveils accelerator initiative

Citi on Thursday announced the launch of Citi Mobile Challenge in Asia Pacific, the next generation accelerator programme, which combines a virtual hackathon with an incubator in Bengaluru.

Citi launched the Challenge in EMEA earlier this year and in Latin America and the US in 2014, and this one will be Asia Pacific. Across the three programmes, Citi received nearly 2,000 submissions from more than 100 countries.
 
Leaders across payments, eCommerce, technology and incubators are collaborating to create a platform for innovation. IBM, PwC, Amazon, Google, Microsoft Ventures, NASSCOM 10000 startups and Wipro Technologies are partnering with Citi for the Challenge.

Speaking at the launch, Kartik Kaushik, Country Business Manager, Global Consumer Bank, Citi India said, “Top players across various industries are coming together to foster innovation. This bank-led initiative, a first-of-its-kind, will provide an opportunity for startups to showcase solutions to a global audience of Citi and its partners.”

Citi is expecting more number of submissions and registrations close for this 8-10 week global virtual accelerator programme on September 2. The India finale will be held in Bengaluru on November 3, 2015. Finalists will compete for a share of $100,000 in cash awards.