Bank of Maharashtra has announced the launch of FinSpark'26, a national-level cybersecurity hackathon aimed at students and dropouts across India. The initiative seeks to develop innovative solutions for real-world cybersecurity challenges in the banking sector, with a prize pool exceeding Rs 10 lakh and an opportunity for top teams to showcase at Global FinTech Fest 2026.
Hackathon Theme and Focus Areas
Under the theme "Securing the Future of Banking," FinSpark'26 invites participants to register individually or in teams of up to four members. They must choose from two cybersecurity-led problem statements: Privileged Access Misuse & Insider Threat Detection, and AI-Driven Correlation of Cybersecurity Telemetry & Transactional Behaviour. The hackathon focuses on insider threat detection, privileged access misuse, AI-driven correlation of cybersecurity telemetry, transaction behaviour analysis, fraud prevention, and proactive threat identification.
Prize and Recognition
The hackathon offers a Rs 10+ Lakh Prize Pool, with the Top 20 teams earning the chance to present their solutions at the Grand Finale at COEP Technological University, Pune. Winning teams will also get an opportunity to showcase at Global FinTech Fest 2026, subject to applicable terms and conditions. Submissions will be evaluated based on business potential, security considerations, uniqueness of approach, user experience, scalability, and ease of development and maintenance.
Learning Platform and Mentorship
Beyond competition, FinSpark'26 serves as a learning and innovation platform. Participants will gain exposure to real-world banking challenges, mentoring support, national-level recognition, and the chance to refine their ideas. The Top 20 teams shortlisted for the Grand Finale will present their solutions before domain experts, with a focus on practicality, security, and relevance to the future of digital banking.
Official Statement
Speaking about the initiative, Bank of Maharashtra stated: "Cybersecurity is one of the most important pillars of modern banking. Through FinSpark'26, Bank of Maharashtra aims to encourage young innovators to think deeply about real banking security challenges and build solutions that can contribute to a safer and more resilient digital banking ecosystem. This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation, technology adoption and nurturing future-ready talent."
Eligibility and Registration
FinSpark'26 is open to students and dropouts across India interested in cybersecurity, technology, AI, data, fraud prevention, secure digital banking, and innovation. Participants can register at www.finsparkhackathon.com/auth/register.
