Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech is designed to expand access to capital and financial services for small businesses in emerging and frontier markets. This innovation award offers $2 million in total prizes, this includes a $1 million Grand Prize. Participating companies will also gain access to networking and pitching opportunities. Registration is now closed.

The Grand Prize will be announced and celebrated at the Milken Institute’s 2025 Global Conference in Los Angeles, California.

~ 1 %

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) represent about 90 percent of businesses and more than 50 percent of employment worldwide.

100 million+

According to World Bank estimates, over 600 million jobs will be needed by 2030 to absorb the growing global workforce.

1 %

In emerging markets, SMEs are the primary source of formal employment, accounting for 70 percent of jobs.

How to Win

Application Submission

Companies submit application materials (as outlined in the rules). An independent panel of expert judges will select 10 companies to progress as semi-finalists. Each semi-finalist will win $100,000 to further develop their FinTech solutions.

Grand Prize Submission

Three companies will progress as finalists to submit materials for the grand prize submission (as outlined in the rules). The judges will select one winning team to receive the grand prize of $1 million. The grand prize will be announced and celebrated at the Milken Institute’s 2025 Global Conference in Los Angeles.

Award Purpose

The purpose of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech is to award companies that demonstrate the use of cutting-edge technologies to expand access to capital and financial services for small businesses in emerging and frontier markets.