Carmen Hett

Technological breakthroughs are advancing at an unprecedented pace, driven by the rapid maturation of university-led research and industry partnerships. As fintech innovation accelerates in the areas of AI, digital assets, and digital transformation, collaborations between universities and industry players—combined with the development of real-world use cases—have become essential in empowering next-generation talent, creating new commercial solutions, and enhancing innovation capabilities within financial services. These efforts not only enhance the efficiency of humanitarian aid but also have the potential to address the sector’s most pressing and underfunded challenges.

This panel brings together leaders from academia, banking, and corporate treasury in the humanitarian sector to explore how industry-research collaboration can drive technological transformation, accelerate fintech innovation, and provide real-world experiences to the innovators of tomorrow.