In an ambitious move to drive technological advancements in finance, the Reserve Bank of India has unveiled its fourth global hackathon, ‘HaRBInger 2025: Innovation for Transformation’. Set to kick off in October 2025, the event seeks to harness cutting-edge technology to create secure, inclusive, and user-friendly financial solutions that resonate with the country’s evolving banking landscape.
The Vision Behind HaRBInger 2025
This year’s initiative, conceptualized by the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), invites innovators, developers, and tech enthusiasts from around the globe to engage with the challenges in the financial sector. The central theme for the hackathon is ‘Secure Banking: Powered by Identity, Integrity, and Inclusivity’, emphasizing the dedication to promoting security and trust in banking relationships.
As part of the hackathon, the RBI aims not just to provide a competitive platform, but also to establish a collaborative environment where participants can co-create solutions. This vision aligns perfectly with the RBI’s ongoing commitment to enhancing consumer trust while addressing the inherent vulnerabilities within the digital economy.
Tackling Key Financial Challenges
Participants in the HaRBInger 2025 hackathon will focus on three pivotal areas within the financial sector: tokenised Know Your Customer (KYC) systems, offline Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), and enhancing consumer trust. These areas have been identified as critical for the next phase of banking innovation in India, as they address both immediate and long-term challenges.
The RBI underscores the importance of creativity with their statement:
“Further, the product/solution should have an element of innovation or novel application of technology serving the common good.”
This highlights the need for participants to think outside the box, leveraging technology not just to meet compliance but to improve overall banking experience and security.
Open Call for Innovators
Open to all entities, teams, or individuals aged 18 and above, HaRBInger 2025 aims to tap into the diverse talents globally. While the competition encourages participation from various backgrounds, familiarity with the Indian financial market is particularly beneficial. This approach ensures that the solutions are relevant and effectively tailored to meet the needs of India’s unique banking ecosystem.
The stakes are high, with enticing prizes set for the top solutions. Winning teams stand to gain Rs 40 lakh per problem statement, while runners-up receive Rs 20 lakh. Additionally, to promote women’s participation, a special prize of Rs 20 lakh will be awarded to the best all-woman team. Each selected team also receives Rs 5 lakh to develop prototypes, further encouraging practical innovation.
Mentorship and Exhibition Opportunities
Registration for HaRBInger 2025 commenced on October 23, 2025, and with it comes a myriad of opportunities for participants. Beyond the financial incentives, the RBI is keen to mentor participants, providing access to industry leaders and experts who can guide them in refining their ideas. The RBI notes that
“Being part of HaRBInger 2025 gives an opportunity to the participants to get mentored by industry experts, exhibit their innovative solutions before an eminent jury and win exciting prizes.”
This element of mentorship not only enhances learning but also helps participants understand the practical aspects of bringing their innovations to market.
Moreover, the exhibition aspect allows participants to showcase their groundbreaking solutions, fostering further networking opportunities and potential collaborations. This community approach builds a robust ecosystem for financial technology innovation in India and encourages a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
Empowering Tomorrow’s Financial Solutions
The HaRBInger 2025 hackathon marks a significant milestone in the RBI’s ongoing quest to facilitate inclusive and secure banking solutions through technology. By engaging innovators from diverse backgrounds and fostering collaboration, the RBI not only aims to solve pressing issues within the financial sector but also envisages a future where banking is fundamentally safer, more connected, and user-focused.
The continued evolution of the financial landscape necessitates that we leverage innovation while ensuring security and trust. HaRBInger 2025 paves the way for such a future, inviting visionary thinkers to redefine banking as we know it. As this hackathon unfolds, it promises to unveil transformative solutions that may shape the future of finance, urging participants to harness their creativity and innovation to help build a more inclusive financial ecosystem for all.
