PaymentsNext
By AIC ISB
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Quick Answer
PaySprint × AIC ISB innovation challenge for MVP to growth-stage startups building intelligent payments infrastructure. ₹7.5L prize pool in cash and credits. Deadline 10 October 2026.
- Funding amount
- ₹1.5 Lakhs – ₹3.5 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- AIC ISB
- Application deadline
- 4d — 10 Oct 2026
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this competition
PaymentsNext is a national innovation challenge from PaySprint and AIC ISB for MVP to growth-stage startups building the intelligence layer on India’s payments stack — systems that verify, decide and reconcile in real time, in the language of the next 400 million users.
PaySprint brings the rails, APIs, sandbox and distribution. AIC ISB brings mentors, investor network and the platform.
Sub-themes
- AI-Powered Trust, Fraud and Identity
- Embedded and Programmable Payments
- Intelligent Financial Operations
- Inclusive and Conversational Payments for Bharat
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
AIC ISB is the Atal Incubation Centre at the Indian School of Business, based inside the ISB Mohali campus in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab. Its own pages name the entity AIC ISB Association and say ISB set it up in partnership with NITI Aayog under the Atal Innovation…
Learn morePaySprint is a fintech and digital payments enabler with an API-first stack spanning payments, identity verification and banking services. It runs PaymentsNext with AIC ISB to open its sandbox, product teams and distribution to startups building on India’s payment rails.
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- ₹1.5 Lakhs – ₹3.5 Lakhs
What You Get
- Prize pool ₹7.5 lakh (cash + PaySprint credits)
- Winner ₹3,50,000 — cash ₹1,20,000 + credits ₹2,30,000
- First runner-up ₹2,50,000 — cash ₹80,000 + credits ₹1,70,000
- Second runner-up ₹1,50,000 — cash ₹50,000 + credits ₹1,00,000
- Mentorship, sandbox credits, introductions to at least two angel investors
- Credits (12 months): connected banking, verification, signing, contract management, payment orchestration
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications are screened by PaySprint and AIC ISB for fit with the sub-themes, product readiness and team. Shortlisted startups may present to a jury; winners receive cash, credits and investor introductions.
Application Process
- 1
Apply online
Submit via the Accubate form.
You - 2
- 3
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
MVP to growth-stage startups with a product in market or live pilot, building in fintech and adjacent categories across the four sub-themes.
What is the prize?
₹7.5 lakh total. Winner ₹3.5L (₹1.2L cash + ₹2.3L credits), first runner-up ₹2.5L, second ₹1.5L. Winners also get introductions to at least two angel investors.
What are the sub-themes?
AI-powered trust/fraud/identity; embedded and programmable payments; intelligent financial operations; inclusive and conversational payments for Bharat.
When is the deadline?
10 October 2026.
Who organises it?
PaySprint Private Limited and AIC ISB, under the ISB I-Venture umbrella.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
