Applications are now open for OPEN START, an open-innovation program connecting African fintech and deep tech startups with real-world challenges from the financial sector. The initiative is organized by a major pan-African financial group in partnership with Open Startup and CEED MOROCCO.
Program Overview and Mission
OPEN START offers a unique pathway for startups to achieve collaboration, experimentation, and scalable growth. The program’s mission is to empower selected startups to co-develop Proofs of Concept (PoCs) directly with leading banks in Africa, paving the way for implementation and scale. Open Startup will leverage its experience in supporting founders to guide the participants through this process.
The Challenges to Tackle
The program invites startups to propose innovative solutions for the following specific challenges:
- Develop a gamified, AI-powered mobile app for personalized savings challenges and smart investment recommendations.
- Develop a voice-enabled banking system in Wolof for automated requests, call routing, and interaction tracking.
- Develop an innovative mobile experience enabling ‘shake to pay’ and ‘shake to save’ to boost conversions and simplify user journeys.
- Develop an AI model to analyze customer data and automatically identify and target eligible clients for credit campaigns.
What Participants Will Receive
If you are building solutions that can reshape financial services, this program offers the chance to:
- Work hand-in-hand with leading banks in Africa.
- Co-develop and validate your PoC with decision-makers.
- Access mentorship, expert support, and regional visibility.
- Showcase your solution during the program’s Demo Day.
Who Should Apply?
The call is open for early- to growth-stage African startups with innovative solutions in the following areas:
- Fintech & Digital Banking
- Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
- UX/UI & Gamification
- Voice Technology & Local Language Interfaces
How to Apply
Application Deadline: The deadline to apply is August 25, 2025.
How to Apply: Eligible startups can apply here.
About the Organizers
This initiative is a partnership between a major pan-African financial group, Open Startup, an organization that empowers founders and expands startup ecosystems, and CEED MOROCCO, a key player in the Moroccan entrepreneurial landscape.
