Deadline: Varies according to region

Applications are now open for the Visa Everywhere Initiative 2023. The Visa Everywhere Initiative is an open innovation programme that helps startups unlock new opportunities - and can offer a global platform to demonstrate their innovative solutions.

The 2023 global competition will be more exciting than ever - with an incredible opportunity for the selected finalists to get in front of Visa executives, potential clients and investors. One winner per region will be selected to compete in the global finals at the TechCrunch Disrupt event. Apply now if you're a startup with great products already on the market and gaining traction - and you're looking for an extra boost from a trusted global brand like Visa to gain scale.

Prizes

• Three prizes will be awarded during the global finals held on 19 September at the TechCrunch Disrupt event in San Francisco.
  • Overall winner: $50,000 USD
  • Audience Favourite: $10,000 USD (The overall winner and the Visa Direct winner are also eligible to win the Audience Favourite award)
  • Direct View: $ 10,000 USD
• The global finalists will also be welcomed by Visa at the TechCrunch Disrupt Pavilion to exhibit their companies together in the Expo Hall with the following benefits:
  • (1) standing demonstration table or kiosk in the Expo Hall all 3 days
  • (1) 11″ x 14″ table plate with sponsor logo
  • Founder's pass
  • Access to free Wi-Fi and energy from partners
  • Access to the Startup Exhibitor Lounge
  • Access to the TechCrunch Disrupt press list
  • Inclusion in the Disrupt mobile app
• Before the global finals, the following local and regional prizes will also be awarded:
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The finals will be held in person on Wednesday 14 June 2023.
    • 1st Place - $40K
    • 2nd Place - $ 27K
    • 3rd Place - $ 13K
    • Oman Winner, 1st Place: $40K
    • Bahrain Winner, 1st Place: $40K
    • Impact Prize Winner: US$ 13 thousand
  • South Africa
    • 1st Place - $20K
    • 2nd Place - $10K
    • Public favourite - $ 10K
    • Impact Award - $ 10K
  • Kenya
    • 1st Place - $20K
    • Public favourite - $ 10K
    • Impact Award - $ 10K
  • CEMEA (Central Europe, Middle East and Africa): Virtual finals broadcast live on TechCrunch
    • 1st Place - $20K
    • Public favourite - $ 10K
    • RISK Winner - $25K

Eligibility

• Each Participant must be an owner or employee of the Company who does not carry out his or her independent commercial or professional activity and must be a legal resident of an Eligible Market in his or her Region.
• Participants must also be at least 18 years old (or at least the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence, i.e. older) at the time of enrolment.
• In addition, employees, officers and directors of Visa, its affiliates or their designee(s) may apply but are not eligible to participate in any of the virtual or in-person competitions and any prizes for the Initiative as detailed in this document.

They are looking for products that offer innovative payment and commerce solutions for consumers and businesses. These include, but are not limited to:

Digital service facilitators and digital issuers

• Blockchain and cryptocurrencies
• Crowdfunding
• Banking as a service
• BIN Sponsors
• Transmitters/Processors
• Programme managers

Digital issuing

• Blockchain and cryptocurrencies
• Alternative loans
• Personal financial management
• Money transfer and remittance
• Digital banking (also known as neobanking)
• Digital wallets, P2P and transfers
• Employee benefits
• Pay
• Corporate cards (also known as expense management)

Added value for traders and/or consumers in terms of financing

• Data and analyses
• ID, authentication and security
• InsurTech
• Loyalty
• Services and tools for traders
• Process and payment infrastructure
• Retail technology

Small/medium-sized companies

• Money movement (disbursements, intra-account, P2P provider, payments)
• Acceptance (e-commerce, mobile access)
• Risk management (chargebacks, etc.)
• Brand management (building communities, etc.)

New categories

• Sustainable Fintechs
• Urban Mobility
• Risk

Application

Click here to register

For more information, visit the Visa Everywhere Initiative.