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
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Daily expert-led lectures and workshops on Open Banking, Full-Stack Development, Data Science, and Blockchain Applications.
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Delivered by facilitators from the UCT Financial Innovation Hub and The Cortex Hub.
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Practical, project-based learning combining coding, financial analysis, and design thinking.
💻 One-Week Online Hackathon
26 – 31 January 2026 | Virtual
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Work in multidisciplinary teams to apply new skills to real-world fintech challenges.
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Receive guidance from technical and business mentors.
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Final presentations and awards on 31 January 2026.
Eligibility
Eligibility
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
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Second-year or higher students enrolled at Walter Sisulu University or University of Fort Hare for 2025 (proof of registration or transcripts required).
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Class of 2025 graduates of Walter Sisulu University or University of Fort Hare (proof of academic transcripts required).
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Alumni of either university (proof of graduation certificate/transcripts required).
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Cortex Hub entrepreneurs are also eligible to participate in both the Summer School and Hackathon.