Overview

The IEEE Computational Intelligence Society (CIS) Shenzhen Chapter will host a Chapter technical activity series for the International Track of the 2026 (8th) Shenzhen International FinTech Competition (FinTechathon). The activity will include technical webinars, competition briefings, student engagement, and expert exchange in computational intelligence, AI agents, data intelligence, and FinTech.

The International Track focuses on the theme “Agent Wallet – AI Agent Digital Wallet,” encouraging student teams to explore how AI agents, data intelligence, secure digital wallets, and inclusive financial technologies can be integrated into next-generation FinTech applications.

Key Information

• Event Type: IEEE CIS Shenzhen Chapter technical activity and student innovation competition
• Hosted by: IEEE CIS Shenzhen Chapter
• Competition Partners: WeBank College of FinTech, Shenzhen University; WeBank
• Challenge Topic: Agent Wallet – AI Agent Digital Wallet
• Eligible Participants: University student teams from the 21 APEC economies
• Activity Format: Online promotion and technical webinars, with on-site finals and awards ceremony in Shenzhen

About the Competition

The Shenzhen International FinTech Competition has been held for seven consecutive editions and has become one of the influential university-oriented FinTech competitions in China. The 2026 edition introduces a “2+1” track structure, consisting of two Domestic Tracks – Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics – and a newly established International Track.

The International Track is designed to connect global student talent with Shenzhen’s FinTech ecosystem and provide a platform for technical exchange, innovation demonstration, and cross-border collaboration. It is expected to align with the APEC Summit to be held in Shenzhen in November 2026, further enhancing the international visibility of the activity.

IEEE CIS Shenzhen Chapter Activity Components

IEEE CIS Shenzhen Chapter plans to host the following technical and community engagement activities in connection with the International Track:

• Online technical webinars on computational intelligence, AI agents, data analytics, and FinTech innovation
• Competition briefings and student recruitment activities for universities and young researchers
• Offline workshop or technical exchange session in Shenzhen, subject to final arrangement
• Expert participation from the Chapter community as advisors, speakers, judges, or roundtable guests
• Youth-focused dialogue through the proposed “Asia-Pacific AI Finance Youth Roundtable”

Tentative Timeline

• August 31, 2026: Registration opens
• September 1 – November 1, 2026: Promotion and recruitment, including online technical webinars and possible offline workshops
• November 2, 2026: Preliminary round closes
• November 10, 2026: Finalists announced
• November 21 – 23, 2026: On-site finals and awards ceremony in Shenzhen

Awards and Participant Support

The International Track is expected to follow the same award standards as the Domestic Tracks:

• First Prize: RMB 100,000
• Second Prize: RMB 80,000
• Third Prize: RMB 50,000
• Best Creativity Award: RMB 20,000

Travel expenses, including round-trip transportation and accommodation, are expected to be covered by the organizers for the Top 10 teams advancing to the on-site finals in Shenzhen, subject to the final rules released by the organizing committee.

Outstanding contestants may also have opportunities to visit leading Shenzhen technology and banking companies, access WeBank’s FinTech talent pool, and receive certificates from a competition accredited by China’s Ministry of Education.

How to Participate

Eligible student teams may register for the International Track after registration opens.

Teams are encouraged to follow future announcements from the competition organizing committee and the IEEE CIS Shenzhen Chapter for detailed rules, webinar schedules, and submission requirements.