WE’VE JOINED FORCES WITH SUPERTECH AND STEAMHOUSE TO LAUNCH A NEW UK FINTECH INCUBATOR

2024-01-23 16:36:21.0

We’re delighted to announce that we’ve partnered with SuperTech to launch a new Fintech Incubator programme in the UK — The Innovation Lab.

The Innovation Lab, which will be run in collaboration with our delivery partner —STEAMhouse, aims to engage fintech companies across the UK to address data-led challenges in the financial services sector.

Driving innovation at BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK and beyond

At BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK, we’re on a mission to position ourselves at the forefront of innovation.

As a result of our ongoing partnership with SuperTech, we’ve collaborated with a range of fintech companies, explored the potential of numerous technologies, and implemented various digital solutions across the business.

That’s why, we’re excited to have renewed our partnership for a second year to establish an incubator programme dedicated to discovering digital solutions from a range of sectors to apply to challenges at BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK as well as within the wider financial services industry.

This year’s data-led innovation challenge

The Innovation Lab is open for applications from Wednesday 24th January for SME businesses with a focus on digital tech solutions.

This year's challenge focuses on harnessing external data and insights to enhance engagement with financial services customers, fostering mutual value and trust for the customer, the financial services provider (BNP Paribas Personal Finance), and any third-party data providers involved.

As part of this fully funded programme, these SME businesses will have the unique opportunity to meet and develop digital solutions in collaboration with key leaders in the finance sector, whilst also raising awareness of their business within the West Midlands ecosystem.

Plus, successful applicants will benefit from comprehensive business support services, including a flexible co-working space from STEAMhouse, mentorship from senior financial services experts, investment pitch opportunities, and personalised 1:1 support.

The importance of collaboration

Commenting on the launch of The Innovation Lab, CEO of BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK, Stephen Hunt, said: “2023 was an incredible year for accelerating innovation at BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK so we’re excited to be continuing our partnership with SuperTech and joining forces with STEAMhouse.   

“For us to remain a leader in personal finance, it’s important we open our minds and embrace new ideas to help us deliver better products, services and solutions for our customers and partners which is what this partnership is all about.

“I look forward to working with digital tech companies to explore various ways we can address data-led challenges in the financial services sector.”

Hilary-Smyth-Allen, SuperTech Executive Lead, commented: "This year, we invite SMEs with digital tech solutions from various sectors to participate in the incubator, aimed at transforming customer engagement through data insights. Successful applicants will not only gain incredible insights with a global financial services brand but also benefit from valuable support and mentorship opportunities."

Patrick Bek, Head of Service Innovation and Experimentation at STEAMhouse, added: “Collaborative innovation is at the heart of everything we do at STEAMhouse. That's why we're so excited to be able to support BNP Paribas Personal Finance in accelerating FinTech innovation by providing the space, facilitation and development expertise that makes this cross-sector collaboration between SMEs and large businesses possible.”

Apply now

The Innovation Lab is designed to accelerate the development of innovative ideas set to revolutionise the banking and financial sector, enhance financial processes, and provide economic opportunities for emerging fintech businesses.

SME businesses and fintech companies interested in taking part can find out more about the Innovation Lab and apply here: https://www.supertechwm.com/innovation-lab

Applications will close on 23rd February 2024.