The Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the National University of Singapore’s Asian Institute of Digital Finance (NUS-AIDF) and GFTN, has introduced the Certificate in FinTech & InsurTech (CFI), a five-month hybrid programme designed to prepare students for the future of finance. The course blends online learning with two weeks of in-person classes in Bhubaneswar and an eight-week group capstone project with industry partners. With two cohorts each year, the programme will equip 7,000 students over five years with the skills to be industry-ready, power financial technology innovation, and support the growth of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Odisha and beyond. Participants gain priority access to placement opportunities and global exposure through the GFTN network.

The Capstone Project is a cornerstone of the Certificate in FinTech and InsurTech programme, designed to close the gap between classroom learning and real industry application. It gives students a rare opportunity to go beyond theory and tackle live problem statements drawn directly from today’s financial services landscape. Through the active involvement of our Corporate Champion Partners, students work on industry-defined challenges and are mentored by senior practitioners from across the FinTech and InsurTech ecosystem. With hands-on guidance, students learn to analyse real business and customer needs, design commercially viable solutions, and translate emerging technologies into practical outcomes. As part of this journey, the top 8–10 students have been invited to travel to Japan to present their solutions at GFTN Forum Japan, gaining international exposure and engaging directly with global industry and policy leaders. This initiative is proudly supported by MUFG, reflecting its strong commitment to nurturing next-generation digital finance talent and investing in skills, innovation, and long-term employability.

Today, we will hear from the top three Capstone Project teams, who will showcase their ideas and the innovative solutions they have developed to address real challenges in the financial services ecosystem.