IDDA Hackathon 1
November 14, 2025 - November 16, 2025
Istanbul
The IDDA Hackathon 2025 is a 48-hour fintech innovation marathon powered by Tenity and IDDA.
Application deadline: 7 November, 2025
The IDDA Hackathon is more than just a competition—it’s a 48-hour fintech innovation marathon where students, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts come together to tackle pressing financial challenges and transform ideas into actionable solutions. By fostering collaboration across diverse skill sets, the hackathon provides a launchpad for the next wave of fintech startups in Azerbaijan.
1. Innovation and Creativity
This criterion evaluates the originality of the proposed solutions. Judges will look for bold, groundbreaking ideas that introduce fresh approaches to solving fintech challenges. Out-of-the-box thinking and creative problem-solving will be highly rewarded.
2. User Experience and Engagement
Participants’ solutions will be assessed on their ability to deliver a seamless and engaging user experience. Intuitive design, smooth navigation, and features that enhance customer or partner engagement will stand out in this category.
3. Feasibility and Technical Viability
Judges will consider how realistic and achievable the solutions are. Ideas that demonstrate a clear understanding of technical requirements, resource needs, and integration into existing financial systems will score higher.
Innovation and Digital Development Agency or IDDA acts as an enabler which spearheads digital transformation initiatives in Azerbaijan fostering a holistic local innovation ecosystem and strengthening the overall digital infrastructure. Its primary focus is to accelerate the pace of digitalization, innovation, particularly startup growth, and venture investment climate. Additionally, the Agency is committed to enhancing accessible educational and career opportunities in the ICT sector by facilitating access to modern technologies and solutions. A significant focus is also placed on establishing and organizing the frameworks necessary for a digital government and a digital society, which are key strategic directions for IDDA.
A hackathon is a technical competition where software developers, designers, and business enthusiasts form teams of 4–6 people and collaborate intensively over two days to create new projects and solutions.
The IDDA Hackathon is a 48-hour fintech innovation challenge that brings together students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and the local tech community to solve real business problems. Teams work to build MVPs, pitch their solutions, and unlock pathways to incubation for the most promising ideas.
The IDDA Hackathon focuses on fintech innovation, with themes including:
We welcome software developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts who want to experience the hackathon spirit and develop innovative fintech projects. Teams should consist of 4–6 people.
To participate, apply as a team by filling out the application form. Only one team member should submit the form on behalf of the group, including accurate details for all participants (name, surname, email, phone number, LinkedIn). Incomplete or inaccurate applications may result in disqualification. Selected teams must bring their own laptops.
The jury and mentors will assess teams throughout the hackathon, considering both teamwork and the quality of the final solution. Evaluation criteria include:
Yes, participation in the IDDA Hackathon is free for all selected participants. The event will take place offline in Azerbaijan.
The hackathon combines intensive project development with training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. In addition to working on your solution, you will attend workshops and connect with leading fintech experts.
No. All coding and development must take place during the 48-hour hackathon. Any pre-coded projects will be disqualified, even if they are selected as winners.
Final presentations will be evaluated by the jury on the last day of the hackathon, and winners will be announced based on the scoring criteria.
Not for all 48 hours. However, physical presence is required during official working hours, training sessions, and mentorship activities. Overnight coding may be done online or from home if preferred.
While most participants are expected from Azerbaijan, the official language of the hackathon will be English to ensure inclusivity and alignment with international standards.
No. The IDDA Hackathon does not cover travel expenses for foreign teams.
Participants gain mentorship, training, and networking opportunities with fintech experts. Outstanding teams will also be considered for the IDDA Incubation Program, providing further support, visibility, and market access.
The hackathon runs for 48 hours and concludes with a Demo Day. Winning teams may then be invited to join the IDDA Incubation Program, which runs from October 2025 to February 2026.
For additional questions, please contact Ilayda Bahadıroğlu, Program Manager at Tenity Istanbul, at ilayda.bahadiroglu@tenity.com.
The content of this website contains advertising for financial instruments within the meaning of the Swiss Federal Act on Financial Services. It does not constitute an offer or invitation to invest in securities or other financial instruments nor does it constitute legal, tax or accounting advice.
