Apply to participate by Sunday 2, November 2025
We have a limited number of places available for the TechSprint, we will let you know the outcome of your application shortly after the deadline has closed. Observer applications will remain open until closer to the Showcase Day.
Join us for the SME Finance TechSprint running from Monday 17 November 2025 to Thursday 12 February 2026. Hosted by FCA Innovation's Smart Data Accelerator, the 3-month TechSprint is designed to support the future regulatory framework for open finance and test how data sharing can enhance SME and micro businesses' financial lifecycle through open finance and smart data. Participants will be able to develop and test their solutions employing high-quality cross-sector synthetic datasets.
The launch event (kick-off – bootcamp briefing) will be held online via MS Teams on Monday 17 November 2025. The TechSprint will culminate in a Showcase - Demo-day at our the FCA offices, 12 Endeavour Square, London, E20 1JN. Applications close - 2 November 2025.
The SME Finance TechSprint will explore and test how open finance and smart data can support SMEs in accessing finance, managing their financial position, improving resilience, and enabling sustainable growth. The work will inform the FCA’s regulatory approach, support wider Smart Data Accelerator initiatives, and help develop practical, innovative solutions for SME lending and financial management.
To learn more, see our SME Finance TechSprint Participants Pack.
Why take part?
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Influence how open finance and smart data are applied to SME lending and financial resilience.
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Engage directly with the FCA and other participants in an open, collaborative setting.
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Test and develop practical solutions in a secure innovation platform, using acquired datasets.
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Work on real SME Finance problem statements, including lending, access to capital, financial management, and resilience.
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Collaborate with the FCA and diverse mix of participants, including lenders, FinTechs, start-ups, researchers, advisers, and SME support networks.
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Showcase ideas and prototypes at the FCA in-person event in London.
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Contribute to the Smart Data Accelerator and the UK’s ambition to accelerate open finance innovation.
Problem Statements and Guidance
There are two problem statements. Firms can choose one to work on over the course of the TechSprint.
PS 1 - Harnessing Smart Data to unlock access to finance and growth opportunities for micro and early-stage SMEs
Unlock fair and inclusive lending for early-stage and micro SMEs by overcoming thin credit profiles through richer, standardised, and consent-driven data sharing - improving credit assessment, streamlining onboarding, and enabling sustainable growth across the UK.
PS 2 - Leveraging Open Finance data to enable SMEs to better manage their financial position and lifecycle
To strengthen the financial resilience of SMEs by harnessing data and technology to improve financial management, forward looking forecasting and smart debt management.
Save the Date
Please save these dates, we will let you know the status of your application shortly after the submission deadline.
