Supported by the Luxembourg Government, The Luxembourg House of Financial Technology (LHoFT), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Announce the 2nd Edition of Catapult | SE Asia 2025.
The LHoFT and the ADB invite fintech startups active in sectors such as AgriTech, InsurTech, Digital Payments, Lending, Remittance, Blockchain, Microfinance, Green Finance, RegTech, and more to apply for Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia – a unique acceleration bootcamp designed to amplify fintech impact across the ASEAN region.
Why is the program free to access?
This program is part of Luxembourg’s strong commitment to international cooperation.
Since 2009, the country has allocated 1% of its Gross National Income (GNI) to development aid, ranking among the five most dedicated developed economies in this field.
As part of this commitment to development, and the financial support of Luxembourg’s Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, the LHoFT Foundation, a not-for-profit, has helped over 100 fintech startups from Africa and ASEAN through the Catapult programs.
Travel costs (flights and hotel) are fully covered for participants, there is no charge for participation, and no requirement to give up equity/shares in your business.
The program is there to give, not to take. The LHoFT Foundation, alongside the ADB, is providing its considerable network, knowledge and experience to the program participants for the greater good if advancing financial inclusion globally.
Will You Be Next?
The LHoFT is looking for 15 outstanding ASEAN fintechs to join a fully funded 2-week bootcamp in Manila and Luxembourg, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank.
Seize this opportunity and APPLY by February 23, 2025, to be part of the 2nd Cohort!
Building on Success: A New Chapter for Financial Inclusion
The second edition of Catapult: Inclusion Southeast Asia will convene fifteen of ASEAN’s most promising fintech startups, selected for their innovative solutions addressing financial accessibility challenges in their regions.
The program will kick off in Manila, Philippines, from April 7 to 11, 2025, with a dynamic agenda of workshops, networking events, and mentoring sessions.
The journey continues in Luxembourg from June 16 to 20, 2025, offering participants the unique opportunity to integrate into the global financial ecosystem.
“Catapult Southeast Asia: a must on the calendar of any startup looking to scale and make a significant impact. The program opened our eyes about the potential of our business in gro ing not only ithin our country but also creating more impact to the entire region.”
says Vincent Roy Mendoza, CEO Farmvocacy from the Philippines, one of the standout Fintechs awarded in the inaugural cohort in 2024.
A program designed to meet the unique needs of fintechs
The 2025 edition will include tailored workshops, pitch sessions, and mentorship led by industry experts from the financial services, microfinance, and fintech sectors.
The program offers unique access to crucial resources and networks, allowing startups to enhance their solutions, attract investment, and build strategic partnerships.
Catapult: Inclusion Southeast Asia not only strengthens fintech ecosystems within ASEAN but also connects them with Europe. By fostering cross-regional collaboration, the program provides the platform for impactful, scalable financial technology initiatives that address the diverse needs of underserved populations.
A Partnership to Drive Transformative Impact
The collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) advances the influence and effectiveness of Catapult: Inclusion Southeast Asia.
With ADB’s extensive expertise in fostering social and economic development across Asia and the Pacific and the LHoFT Foundation’s global network, knowledge and experience in the Fintech and Financial Services sector,, the partnership is uniquely positioned to empower startups.
Together, the initiative aspires to boost scalable solutions that address pressing financial inclusion challenges, driving meaningful and sustainable change across Southeast Asian communities.
ADB plays a vital role in regional development by utilising loans, grants, and technical assistance to foster inclusive growth and eliminate poverty in a region where 263 million people survive on less than US$1.90 a day.
Its collaborative strategy – mobilising financial resources and facilitating policy discussions – perfectly aligns with the LHoFT Foundation’s goal of creating inclusive financial ecosystems.
Christine Engstrom, Senior Director Finance Sectors Group at ADB, stated,
“The Asian Development Bank is proud to continue collaborating with LHoFT whose efforts have been pivotal in fostering fintech innovation and creating inclusive financial systems. We are committed to empowering fintech startups and fostering sustainable growth in the region through initiatives like Catapult: Inclusion Southeast Asia.”
“We want to recognise the significant contributions of the Luxembourg Ministry of Finance, whose unwavering support for the Financial Sector Development Partnership Special Fund has been instrumental in driving financial inclusion and innovation across Southeast Asia.”
The LHoFT Foundation, a public-private partnership based in Luxembourg, promotes fintech innovation by linking global startups with talent, expertise, and market opportunities.
Its collaborative efforts with governments, regulators, and financial institutions cultivate an environment conducive to advancing financial inclusion worldwide.
Together, ADB and LHoFT create a powerful synergy in this program, driving impactful solutions for underserved communities.
LHoFT CEO, Nasir Zubairi, expressed,
“Catapult: Financial Inclusion Southeast Asia has demonstrated the po er of fintech to bridge markets and foster sustainable growth. This program underscores Luxembourg’s commitment to being a pivotal hub for global financial innovation and inclusion.”
Follow them on LinkedIn for updates throughout the program: www.linkedin.com/company/the-lhoft
Featured image credit: edited from freepik
