Strong fintech ecosystems grow through people, shared learning, and collaboration. Ideas become products when individuals come together, exchange perspectives, and build trust across disciplines.
From Zero To Fintech is a one-week hackathon organised by the CEE Centre for Digital Finance (together with FEBA at Sofia University and partners) to bring together a growing community of fintech enthusiasts, builders, and future founders. In 2026, the hackathon runs from 07–15 March, with registration open from 01 February to 01 March.
It is a space where people learn from each other, work side by side, and contribute to a shared culture of responsible fintech innovation.
A Community With a Shared Purpose
From Zero To Fintech was created to support an open and inclusive fintech community in Central and Eastern Europe and beyond. The hackathon connects people who are curious about digital finance and eager to explore how technology, regulation, design, and business intersect.
Participants join with different backgrounds and levels of experience. What unites them is a common interest in building better financial solutions and learning through real collaboration.
How the Community Comes Together
The hackathon unfolds over one week and is structured to encourage interaction from day one. The journey begins with an Opening Day on Saturday, 07 March 2026 (09:30–18:00), designed to help participants connect quickly and align around common language, tools, and expectations.
Participants are introduced to the fintech ecosystem and to each other through shared sessions and discussions. Teams form organically around ideas, skills, and interests. Throughout the week – 08–13 March – participants work closely together, exchange feedback across teams, and learn collectively from workshops and mentor sessions.
This structure creates a sense of momentum and belonging, where progress is visible and shared across the group.
Workshops and Mentors along the way
Workshops and mentors play a central role in shaping the From Zero To Fintech experience. The hackathon’s educational part starts immediately: the Opening Day features a full workshop programme (09:40–17:45), including practical sessions on topics such as product design, AI in fintech, sales, venture capital, and pitch-deck building.
Mentors include fintech founders, product leaders, engineers, legal experts, and investors who actively contribute to the ecosystem. They join the hackathon as collaborators and guides, sharing experience openly and engaging in conversation with participants. During the core creation phase (08–13 March), mentors support teams through focused sessions (typically short, time-boxed check-ins), helping participants validate assumptions, sharpen their solutions, and make better decisions faster.
For participants, this means access to people who are willing to share insights, provide feedback, and support growth within a community setting.
What Participants Take With Them
Participants leave From Zero To Fintech with more than a project.
They gain hands-on experience working in multidisciplinary teams and a clearer understanding of how fintech solutions are built in practice. They develop confidence in discussing ideas, giving and receiving feedback, and collaborating across roles.
Equally important, participants become part of a growing fintech community. Connections formed during the hackathon often continue through follow-up projects, professional opportunities, and ongoing involvement in the ecosystem.
As the week approaches its finale, teams move into delivery mode: Saturday, 14 March 2026 is dedicated to preparing 3-minute pitch videos, and on Sunday, 15 March 2026, the hackathon culminates in a public finale with live streaming, jury evaluation, discussions on “Fintech of the Future”, and awards.
Selected teams receive prizes and partner support, providing additional encouragement to continue developing their ideas after the event.
Who is it for?
From Zero To Fintech welcomes developers, finance professionals, designers, marketers, legal specialists, students, and aspiring founders. Experience levels vary, and diversity of perspective is encouraged.
Participants may arrive with an idea or simply a desire to learn and contribute. The community supports both.
Join the Community
From Zero To Fintech is an invitation to learn, build, and grow together. It is a starting point for people who want to engage with fintech in a meaningful and collaborative way.
👉 Join the community and apply at www.fromzerotofintech.com. Registration is open 01 February – 01 March 2026, and the hackathon takes place 07-15 March 2026.
