GIFT City and IIT Gandhinagar announce FutureLab Grand Challenge

GIFT City, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN), has announced the GIFT FutureLab Grand Challenge 2026–27. This national-level innovation competition serves as a precursor to the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027.

The challenge seeks to identify promising technology and research ideas with practical applications for the financial services sector and the GIFT City ecosystem. It primarily targets students and researchers from technical, management, and other higher-education institutions across India. Participants may apply individually or in teams.

Key focus areas include intelligent and autonomous financial systems, digital assets, programmable finance, quantum-ready financial infrastructure, cybersecurity, fraud and risk management, and regulatory technology.

Applications are open until November 12, 2026, with an initial online evaluation process. Approximately 10–12 shortlisted teams will be invited to IIT Gandhinagar for an offline Grand Finale, proposed for December 20, 2026. The event aims to facilitate connections between selected teams and various financial institutions, banks, and fintech companies.