- What
- R&D programme support for fintech innovation projects.
- Who
- Startups and other FinTech innovators.
- From abroad
- Not stated on the programme’s site (checked September 2026) All programmes open to founders from abroad →
Checked · October 2026 · cbk.gov.kw/en/legislation-and-regulation/innova… · How we check ↗
In detail
CBK Wolooj Innovation Hub is a central-bank innovation hub in Kuwait. Central Bank of Kuwait's innovation hub for FinTech R&D — five themes: cybersecurity & data privacy, regulatory compliance, sustainable finance, open banking, AI in finance.
- Amount
- R&D programme support
- Terms
- No equity
- Eligibility
- Startups and other FinTech innovators
- Sectors
- Open Banking, AI in finance, sustainable FinTech
- Benefits
- CBK collaboration · Bank pilot pathways
- Status
- Active
Is this for you?
Where is your company?
Are you open to giving equity?
We match them against what CBK Wolooj Innovation Hub publishes.
A guide to the published criteria, not a decision — the programme selects.
What the source says
“The Research and Development (R&D) function within the CBK's Innovation Hub is dedicated to driving forward-looking research, fostering innovation to explore emerging trends and technologies in the financial and central banking sectors.”
“"Wolooj" Sandbox currently accepts the products/services of the following themes: Cybersecurity and Data Privacy / Regulatory Compliance / Sustainable Finance / Open Banking / Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Finance”
“"Wolooj" accepts two types of requests:”
“enables startups, fintech firms, and other innovators to experiment”
“CBK's team in coordination with the relevant stakeholders will guide”
“"Wolooj" also accepts requests for testing products and services that have already been developed and are ready for implementation in the banking sector.”
Closing soon on the map
No published deadline in the next 30 days · All published deadlines →
Compare government programmes in Kuwait
| Cost | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| CBK Wolooj Innovation HubR&D programme support for fintech innovation projects. | not published | No equity | Active |
| CBK Wolooj Regulatory SandboxRegulatory permission to test fintech products live; no funding provided. | not published | No equity | Active |
| KDIPAUp to 100% foreign ownership and up to a 10-year tax holiday for investors. | not published | No equity | Active |
| CBK Digital Banking GuidelinesLicensing guidelines for digital banks (since 2022). | not published | Not published | Closed |
| CMA FinTech Unit (Module 19)Regulatory permission to operate as a securities crowdfunding platform or fintech. | not published | No equity | Active |
| Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA)Manages sovereign capital; not a direct-application funder. | not published | Not published | Active |
| Ministry of Commerce & IndustryCompany setup fees. | not published | No equity | Active |
| NTECKWD 100M (~$350M) capital deployed via government-backed VC and projects. | not published | Not published | Active |
No programmes match these filters.
Highest amount in each programme’s own “What” line. Other currencies converted for sorting only (Gulf pegs; KWD, EUR, GBP approximate).
More programmes that take no equity →
Questions founders ask
What does CBK Wolooj Innovation Hub offer?
R&D programme support for fintech innovation projects.
Does CBK Wolooj Innovation Hub take equity?
No equity — programme support.
Can founders from abroad apply?
Not stated on the programme’s site (checked September 2026).
How do I apply?
Through its own application form — the Apply button on this page goes straight there.
Sources
Primary source · cbk.gov.kw/en/legislation-and-regulation/innovation-hub/overview · LinkedIn · linkedin.com/company/cbkkw · Checked October 2026