A startup competition organised by Spanish bank BBVA has attracted entrepreneurs from 56 countries, showcasing 850 technology projects.
For the sixth edition of BBVA's open talent contest, the bank split its focus into three distinct geographic regions, comprising Central/South America, Europe, North America and other countries.
Reflecting global interest in the prospects for digital disruption in the financial sector, the contest's 'New Banking' category showed an 80% uplift over the previous year, with 166 project presentations focused on the innovation within the financial services sector.
Shortlisted projects will be selected to present their ideas before a panel of judges in the three regional areas in September and October. In addition to the winners in each geographic edition, BBVA will award a special prize to the start-up project that wins the most votes online.
Winners will be rewarded with a EUR30,000 cash prize and the opportunity to participate at the Crash Acceleration Week in New York, entailing training, mentoring and investor meetings