‘Inovat’ Wins $100,000 Top Fintech Prize from FAB and Mastercard for Digital VAT Refund Solution

‘Inovat ’, a digital solution that offers a seamless, fully digital value-added tax (VAT) refund experience for travellers to save them money on shopping abroad, has emerged as the winner of the second edition of the FAB forward Fintech Challenge. This collaborative initiative between Mastercard  and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)  aims to foster fintech innovation in the UAE.

Under the tagline ‘Drive the future of banking’, the competition invited later-stage fintech startups to submit their pioneering solutions to pressing financial challenges across three categories – ‘Hyper-personalized Experiences’, ‘Blockchain-Powered Business’ and ‘Beyond Banking’. The competition witnessed a strong uptake with over 135 entries received.

A panel of experts from Mastercard and FAB evaluated the submissions based on innovation and novelty, market potential, business model and revenue potential, product fit, growth strategy, financial health as well as team and execution. Five selected finalists – Inovat, Crayon Data, Fiskl, Nuclei and Uome – presented their ideas at a pitch day. ‘Inovat’ was adjudged winner for its innovative fully digital solution that tackles a real traveller pain point through strategic collaboration with banks and airlines. Their solution not only saves customers money abroad but could also enhance FAB’s digital engagement capabilities.

The winner was announced at an award ceremony hosted at the FAB headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

As winner, ‘Inovat’ received a host of benefits, including the opportunity to work on a proof of concept with FAB, exposure to banking leaders, venture capital and potential investment partners as well as a cash prize of $100,000.

The FAB forward Fintech Challenge is a core initiative of the long-term collaboration between First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Mastercard, reflecting a shared commitment to driving digital transformation and innovation in the UAE’s financial sector. By bringing together FAB’s deep regional expertise and Mastercard’s global technology leadership, the programme provides fintech startups with access to mentorship, real-world validation, and opportunities to collaborate with leading financial institutions.

With a focus on customer-centric innovation and next-generation financial services, the Challenge underscores the importance of collaboration between established industry leaders and emerging fintechs in building a more dynamic and inclusive digital economy for the UAE and beyond.