Central Bank of Ireland and Banca d’Italia launch first joint Innovation Data Challenge

Central Bank of Ireland and Banca d’Italia are launching the Innovation Data Challenge 2026, a joint initiative designed to foster cutting-edge research and innovation in the retail payments sector.

The Challenge reflects the shared commitment of the two Institutions to promoting applied research, international collaboration, and the responsible use of data and technology to shape the future of payments.

The initiative brings together leading Irish and Italian universities, including University College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Galway, University of Limerick, Università commerciale Luigi Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano, and Università degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope.

Students will work with both synthetic and real-world financial datasets accessed through a secure data platform, enabling them to develop innovative, data-driven research while meeting the highest standards of data protection.

At the conclusion of the Challenge, selected research projects will be presented to an international panel of experts, providing students with valuable opportunity to explore the transformative role of technology and data in retail payments. 

Through the Innovation Data Challenge 2026, Central Bank of Ireland and Banca d’Italia reaffirm their commitment to supporting academic excellence and applied research, while encouraging new perspectives on shaping the future of payments.