France-based 3D design software company Dassault Systèmes revealed yesterday that its accelerator programme, 3D Fintech Challenge, will this year focus on technologies facilitating regulatory oversight for the financial sector.
The seven-week programme, run for the third consecutive year, will be hosted in partnership with stock exchange Deutsche Börse while regional development agency Invest Northern Ireland returns as a sponsor.
Dassault seeks to identify startups exploiting disruptive technologies such as blockchain, a digital and public distributed ledger that was made popular by digital currency bitcoin.
The accelerator offers commercial, technical and legal mentorship but Dassault and Deutsche Börse are not taking any equity in participating startups.
The programme will take place at Level39, an accelerator hub located in London’s financial district Canary Wharf. The accelerator is accepting applications until August 22 and will launch on September 16, 2015.
Brendan Bradley, chief innovation officer of Deutsche Börse, said: “For the last two consecutive years, I have mentored finalist teams on the 3D Fintech Challenge and witnessed the positive outcomes achieved during the programme.
“In our bid to drive customer centric and disruptive innovation, Deutsche Börse is proud to strengthen its commitment to the next wave of high-performance startups and participate as a partner in the 3D Fintech Challenge 2015.”