What is a TechSprint? Please visit our website for more information about TechSprints.
Where is the TechSprint taking place? The TechSprint launch and check-in sessions will be virtual, held on-line via MS Teams. The Showcase Demo Day will take place in-person only at the Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC) - University of Strathclyde - Glasgow, Scotland on Thursday, 30 May 2024. Please see the agenda page for more details.
How do I apply to be a participant? Please click on the button on the home page that says Participants Apply Here. This link will redirect you to the Digital Sandbox, where you will be able to complete your application.
How do I apply to be a Mentor? Please click on the button on the home page that says Mentor/Observer Apply Here. This link will redirect you to the online application form.
Can I attend the Showcase Demo Day as an observer? Yes, if you only wish to attend and watch the Demo Day presentations as an observer, please click on the button on the home page that says Mentor/Observer Apply Here. This link will redirect you to the online application form.
What is a cohort model TechSprint? A cohort model means you apply as a pre-made team with the intention to continue developing your solution even after the TechSprint all the way to implementation stages. Teams need to be a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 people.
Can individuals apply and take part in a cohort model TechSprint? No, individuals cannot apply. Teams need to be a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 people. Teams need to apply as a pre-made team. Once you've been selected, your team members cannot be changed.
What support can I expect during the TechSprint? Throughout the course of the TechSprint, participating teams will have access to dedicated FCA coordinators who will help guide solution development and provide relevant steers where appropriate.
What data can I use during the TechSprint? Alongside your own datasets, you will also have access to datasets on the FCA Digital Sandbox platform.
What is the Digital Sandbox? Please visit our website for more information about the Digital Sandbox.
What happens at the end of the TechSprint? The TechSprint will culminate in an in-person Showcase Demo Day where teams will present the solutions in front of an audience, and will take questions from a judging panel who will proceed to determine the winning ideas.
What happens if I win? The winning solutions will have an opportunity to continue further development within the FinTech Scotland Financial Regulation Innovation Lab.
How do I login to take part in the online sessions? Throughout the TechSprint we will be streaming sessions live on MS Teams. The Showcase Demo Day will be streamed using MS Teams Live- you can join via a browser or from your computer/device.
What if I don't use MS Teams? You do not need to have a MS Teams account to join the sessions, you can join anonymously through a browser.
What’s the best browser to use? If you're joining the session via a browser, use a media-source extension (MSE) - enabled web browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge
What if my organisation blocks MS Teams? Contact your IT department if access to MS Teams is blocked by your organisation, or you may try using your personal device to join.
Where can I find my joining link? An email with joining instructions will be sent shortly before the session(s), if you haven’t received the joining link by at least the day before the session(s) is due to start, please check your junk folder or email our team and we'll resend you the joining links.
Does the TechSprint cost anything? The TechSprint is completely free. Refreshments will be provided during the in-person Showcase Demo Day at our venue in Scotland, but you will be responsible for your own transport to and from the TechSprint and any accommodation you require.
I am no longer able to take part in the TechSprint- can someone take my place? We will assess your circumstances on a case by case basis, please email techsprints@fca.org.uk with any change of details. Please remember, teams need to be a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 people.
I am no longer able to take attend the Showcase Demo Day - can I send someone in my place? Yes, please email techsprints@fca.org.uk with any change of details.
What if I need to cancel my application/registration? Please email techsprints@fca.org.uk if you would like to cancel your application/registration.
Can you confirm my attendance for CPD purposes? Following your attendance at the TechSprint, we can send an email with the TechSprint details. Feel free to use this to submit to your professional association.
Is the dress code for the TechSprint? Apart from the Showcase Demo Day, we'll be virtual. Please wear whatever you feel comfortable in and/or would wear to work on a normal business day (casual/business casual).
Please also apply this dress code to the Showcase Demo Day in Scotland.
