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2026 UCT–Cortex Hub Fintech Lab Summer School

Dates: 12 – 23 January 2026 | Hackathon: 26 – 31 January 2026 | Location: The Cortex Hub, East London | Format: Hybrid (in-person + online)

The 2026 Summer School (12–23 Jan) and Hackathon (26–31 Jan) equip students and entrepreneurs with hands-on skills in fintech, open banking, data science, and innovation.

About the Programme

The UCT–Cortex Hub Fintech Lab Summer School is a two-week intensive training programme designed to equip university students and young entrepreneurs with hands-on skills in open banking, fintech, and digital innovation.

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Delivered in partnership between the University of Cape Town’s Financial Innovation Hub (FinHub) and The Cortex Hub, the Summer School forms part of a multi-year initiative to position the Eastern Cape as a centre of excellence for fintech education and innovation.

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Participants will gain exposure to real-world fintech technologies, industry mentors, and research-driven innovation frameworks that bridge academic theory with market application.

What the Summer School Offers

📘 Two-Week Hybrid Boot Camp

12 – 23 January 2026 | The Cortex Hub& Online

  • Daily expert-led lectures and workshops on Open Banking, Full-Stack Development, Data Science, and Blockchain Applications.

  • Delivered by facilitators from the UCT Financial Innovation Hub and The Cortex Hub.

  • Practical, project-based learning combining coding, financial analysis, and design thinking.

💻 One-Week Online Hackathon

26 – 31 January 2026 | Virtual

  • Work in multidisciplinary teams to apply new skills to real-world fintech challenges.

  • Receive guidance from technical and business mentors.

  • Final presentations and awards on 31 January 2026.

Eligibility

Eligibility

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Second-year or higher students enrolled at Walter Sisulu University or University of Fort Hare for 2025 (proof of registration or transcripts required).

  • Class of 2025 graduates of Walter Sisulu University or University of Fort Hare (proof of academic transcripts required).

  • Alumni of either university (proof of graduation certificate/transcripts required).

  • Cortex Hub entrepreneurs are also eligible to participate in both the Summer School and Hackathon.

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