Mumbai : The National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation Ltd (NUCFDC), the umbrella organisation for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), in partnership with IIMA Ventures, has launched Bharat COOPATHON 2025, a national initiative aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of the urban cooperative banking sector.
The selection-based programme seeks to connect Urban Cooperative Banks with high-potential technology innovators to facilitate the deployment of compliant, scalable, and indigenous digital solutions. Start-ups, fintech firms, technologists, and product and data teams are invited to submit solutions specifically designed to address the operational and regulatory needs of UCBs.
Bharat COOPATHON 2025 is focused on enabling UCBs to adopt cost-effective digital tools to modernise banking operations, strengthen risk management systems, enhance cybersecurity preparedness, and improve overall efficiency. Entries will be evaluated through a transparent, criteria-driven assessment process based on innovation, regulatory compliance, data security, scalability, and deployment readiness.
Beyond technology adoption, the initiative aims to strengthen governance standards and support long-term resilience across the cooperative banking ecosystem. A key focus area is cybersecurity, with emphasis on data sovereignty, customer protection, and adherence to regulatory frameworks. The programme also encourages sector-wide standardisation and sustainable partnerships between banks and innovators for pilot projects and large-scale implementation.
Commenting on the launch, Prabhat Chaturvedi, CEO of NUCFDC, said Urban Cooperative Banks play a vital role in advancing financial inclusion in India. He noted that while larger UCBs have made progress in digital adoption, smaller and mid-sized banks often face infrastructure and capability gaps. The initiative, he said, is intended to bridge this divide by enabling access to practical and purpose-built technology solutions.
Priyanka Chopra, CEO and Managing Partner at IIMA Ventures, said the programme provides a structured platform for collaboration between banks and innovators. She added that Bharat COOPATHON 2025 offers innovators an opportunity to deploy real-world solutions and contribute to inclusive growth, particularly for underserved segments of the population.
Selected innovators will receive opportunities to pilot and scale their solutions across participating Urban Cooperative Banks. Subject to applicable criteria and protocols, winning teams may also gain access to seed funding support from IIMA Ventures. Participants will further benefit from hackathon bootcamps, expert mentoring, and interactive workshops focused on sector-specific challenges. Applications for Bharat COOPATHON 2025 are open until 31 December 2025.