FIA today launched the fourth annual Innovators Pavilion for fintech startups that are offering forward-thinking solutions for the global derivatives markets. This award- winning program is a featured part of FIA’s annual Futures and Options Expo, the industry’s most widely attended event, on Oct. 16-18. Now in its 34th year, Expo draws more than 4,500 traders, brokers and other industry professionals to Chicago in October and houses exhibition space for more than 120 vendors.
“Innovators Pavilion is a demonstration of where our industry is headed, and showcases developing technologies such as alternative data, blockchain, cloud computing, machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics,” said Walt Lukken, president and CEO of FIA. “We are thrilled to provide a forum for startup companies to highlight the innovative ways they are delivering dramatic efficiencies. I am particularly pleased to see these startups leveraging this program to build partnerships with leading market participants and attract funding from venture capital funds.”
FIA is accepting applications now through Aug. 8, 2018. Each application will be reviewed by an independent selection committee comprised of industry experts. Space is limited and applications will be approved on a rolling basis.
“I am delighted to chair the FIA Innovators Pavilion selection committee once again. Innovation is the lifeblood of any industry and especially ours,” said Matt Haraburda, president of XR Trading, and a member of the executive committee of the FIA Principal Traders Group. “All of us on the selection committee are excited to see what the best in fintech have to offer this year.”
Companies that qualify to take part in Innovators Pavilion will be given a “TechPod” on the Expo show floor at no cost to demonstrate their products and services. FIA also will host a “Meet the Innovators” competition to spotlight the five most exciting companies within the Pavilion. The winner of this competition will receive cash and other resources worth $20,000.
More than 50 startups have participated in the FIA Innovators Pavilion in previous years. For a complete list of the companies, click here. This year's Pavilion is supported by four community partner organizations: Fintech Sandbox, Fintex, Hyde Park Angels and Seismic Foundry.