RBI Launches HaRBInger 2025 Global Hackathon

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has officially launched HaRBInger 2025 – Innovation for Transformation, its fourth global hackathon, aiming to promote the development of secure, inclusive, and identity-driven banking solutions. The hackathon reflects RBI’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies for the financial sector and enhancing trust and integrity in digital banking.

Theme and Objectives

• The central theme for HaRBInger 2025 is: “Secure Banking: Powered by Identity, Integrity, and Inclusivity”.

The initiative invites individuals and entities worldwide to create technology-driven financial solutions that,

• Protect customer identity
• Promote trust in digital financial systems
• Ensure inclusive banking access
• This aligns with the RBI’s broader goal of driving customer-centric innovation while safeguarding data and infrastructure.

Key Problem Statements

Participants are expected to design solutions for three core challenges,

• Tokenized KYC: Exploring privacy-focused digital identity verification using tokenization to enhance security and streamline compliance processes.
• Offline CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency): Innovating models for the offline usage of CBDC, expanding access to digital currency in remote and internet-deprived regions.
• Enhancing Trust in Digital Financial Services: Creating solutions that build and maintain user trust through secure interfaces, transaction transparency, and fraud prevention mechanisms.

These problem areas address real-world concerns in banking and digital finance, ensuring practical and scalable innovations.

Registration Details

• Registrations for HaRBInger 2025 began on 23 October 2025.
• The hackathon is open to individuals, startups, fintech companies, academic institutions, and global innovators.
• Submissions will undergo evaluation based on innovation, feasibility, impact, and user-centric design.
• Further details on deadlines, prize categories, and mentorship opportunities are expected to be announced on the official RBI innovation portal.

Significance of HaRBInger Hackathon Series

Launched in 2021, the HaRBInger series is RBI’s flagship innovation challenge designed to,

• Strengthen India’s fintech ecosystem
• Facilitate safe adoption of new technologies
• Promote inclusive finance and financial literacy
• Act as a bridge between regulators, innovators, and end users

Previous editions of HaRBInger focused on themes such as digital payments and regtech, resulting in prototype solutions adopted by the financial ecosystem.