GIFT City Launches Global Fintech Institute & Innovation Hub With Top Institutional Partnerships

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) has announced the launch of the GIFT International Fintech Institute (GIFT IFI) and the GIFT International Fintech Innovation Hub (GIFT IFIH) a dedicated fintech incubator and accelerator, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This marks a pivotal step in GIFT City’s journey to becoming a global centre for fintech education, innovation and start-up growth. These initiatives are set to transform the fintech landscape, strengthening GIFT City's position as a premier international hub for financial technology and attracting world-class talent and industry attention to India.

The GIFT IFI will be led by a distinguished consortium comprising Ahmedabad University, in collaboration with IIT Gandhinagar and the University of California, San Diego. The training programmes, set to commence in January 2025, are designed to equip professionals with industry-aligned skills essential for the modern financial sector. The institute will empower the next generation with the capabilities needed to excel in high-growth careers in global finance. Complementing this, the GIFT IFIH—led by Plug and Play, a global accelerator platform—aims to provide essential resources, expert mentorship and expansive networking opportunities to startups, offering them a dynamic space to scale and succeed in a competitive fintech landscape.

These initiatives are expected to establish a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem fostering fintech innovation and entrepreneurship, thereby strengthening India’s fintech sector. By focusing on skill enhancement, research support and start-up development, GIFT City aims to contribute to employment growth, workforce productivity and technological advancement in financial technology.

The GIFT IFI and GIFT IFIH are specifically designed to meet several critical goals that will shape the fintech sector in India. First, they will offer training programmes aligned with international industry standards, building an environment conducive to start-up incubation and acceleration. A particular focus will be placed on supporting women entrepreneurs, promoting an inclusive ecosystem that encourages diverse talent and perspectives.

Additionally, the initiatives will drive applied research to create fintech solutions, bridging the gap between academic research and industry needs. These initiatives will encourage industry partnerships that strengthen innovation capacity and sector competitiveness, cementing GIFT City’s reputation as a centre for global fintech excellence.