The Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia program, a collaborative initiative by The LHoFT, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Luxembourg Directorate for Development Cooperation & Humanitarian Affairs, is designed to accelerate fintechs dedicated to advancing financial inclusion in Southeast Asia. This exclusive, fully funded program offers a unique opportunity for innovators to connect with influential figures in the global inclusive finance ecosystem, providing a platform to amplify their impact on local communities through a carefully tailored bootcamp experience.
Program Overview
• Program: Catapult: Inclusion SEA, 3rd Edition
• Description: A fully funded, 2-week training and networking bootcamp delivered in English, focused on Impact, Scaling, and Funding for Southeast Asian Fintech companies.
• Week 1 Dates: 08 to 12 June 2026 in Luxembourg
• Week 2 Dates: 16 to 20 November 2026 in Singapore
Core Pillars
• Impact: Focusing on creating positive social and economic impact in Southeast Asia through financial inclusion.
• Scaling: Gaining insights into effective strategies for expanding businesses, including partnership building, customer acquisition, and operational optimisation.
• Funding: Learning about funding strategies and financial management to secure resources, launch innovative solutions, and drive financial inclusion in Southeast Asia.
Application Details
• Application Deadline: 1st April 2026
• Target Audience: 15 selected Fintech companies operating in Southeast Asia, regardless of their headquarters.
• Focus Area: Applicants must be engaged in the field of financial inclusion, working to provide underserved and unbanked populations with access to financial products and services.
Targeted Segments
The program seeks solutions that digitize and drive the financial inclusion industry. While focusing on the following 10 key segments, all bold, impact-driven innovations are welcome:
• Insurtech
• Regtech
• Agritech
• Fundtech
• Agetech
• Payments
• Lending
• Big Data & AI
• Core Banking
• Financial Education
Program Structure
• Delivery: The bootcamp is delivered in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and key stakeholders from SE Asia as well as Luxembourg’s inclusive, sustainable, and traditional finance sectors.
• Activities: Participants will take part in masterclasses, customer discovery sessions, hands-on challenges, pitch sessions, mentoring engagements, and networking opportunities.
• Objective: To provide participants with the skills, insights, and connections to drive innovation in financial inclusion.
Costs and Logistics
• Travel Reimbursement: The LHoFT will reimburse up to €2,000 (VAT incl.) for one person’s round-trip economy-class travel to Luxembourg for the first week and the same for SE Asia for the second week.
• Additional Attendees: A second participant may attend at their own expense.
• Accommodation: Participants will stay at a hotel chosen by the LHoFT for the entire duration of the program.
• Meals: Breakfast and lunches will be provided.
Eligibility Criteria
• Stage: Selected firms will have, at a minimum, a demonstrable Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and will likely be in the pre-seed to series A stage of funding.
• Mission Alignment: Companies must be active in the financial inclusion field, helping underserved and unbanked populations in South East Asia get access to financial products and services.
• Due Diligence: Companies must submit all necessary information to the LHoFT to assess the viability of the project, company, and background of owners and key shareholders.
• Attendance: The selected firm must guarantee that a founding team member, typically the CEO, will attend the program for the full duration of the two weeks.
• Post-Program Reporting: Companies must agree to provide ongoing performance metrics and business status for a period of three years post-program completion to the LHoFT for evaluation purposes.
This program represents a significant opportunity for fintech innovators to accelerate their growth and deepen their impact. By connecting with a global network of experts and resources, participants are positioned to foster sustainable, long-term social progress. For further information regarding participation, sponsorship, or mentorship, interested parties are encouraged to contact the Head of Acceleration Programs.