Mumbai: SVKM’s NMIMS Deemed to be University, one of India’s leading academic institutions with a 40-year legacy of quality education, has partnered with Catalyst Fund, a international, inclusive tech accelerator managed by BFA Global, that supports fintech innovators in emerging markets, to join the latter’s Inclusive Fintech Talent Program in Mumbai.

The Inclusive Fintech Talent Program aims to fill talent gaps at leading fintech startups by placing high-potential university students and young professionals for internships within those startups, while exposing them to the scope of a future career in the field. Under the partnership, NMIMS students will get an opportunity to work as interns at various Catalyst Fund portfolio companies. The partnership kicked off with the placement of three MBA (Tech.) students from NMIMS Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management & Engineering (MPSTME), who secured six-month internships at KarmaLife and FarMart.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Registrar, NMIMS, said, “NMIMS has an extensive industry partner network that has helped us improve our learning and teaching processes while equipping our students with practical skills that enhance employability. Our industry associates have been key partners in our journey towards continued academic excellence, helping us in multiple areas, from honing our curriculum based on industry needs, to providing students with on-field experience through internships. Through Catalyst Fund, our students will get an opportunity to work in the fintech ecosystem and learn from innovative entrepreneurs in the domain. These internships will also provide them exposure to a highly competitive global arena.”

Ms. Abby Butkus, Program Lead for the Inclusive Fintech Talent Program, further added, “Through the Inclusive Fintech Talent Program, we aim to form close collaborations with leading universities and training institutions in emerging markets. We chose SVKM’s NMIMS because of its reputation for academic excellence, its strict adherence to global standards in education, and its proven track record as an institute of learning and as a source of quality talent. This partnership will help us find talented students and match them with the best internship opportunities, while giving them a platform to work and learn in a global community, led by impact-oriented startups.”

The partnership takes forward the NMIMS University’s highly-reputed placement program with leading national and international firms. The first three student interns were selected from the integrated MBA (Tech.) program at MPSTME. The five-year, dual-degree program combines management with engineering studies. Students can choose from engineering specialisations in Information Technology, Computers, Mechanical, Electronics & Telecommunication, and Artificial Intelligence. Management specialisations include Marketing (Digital Analytics), Finance (FinTech Blockchain), Operations & Supply Chain, Business Intelligence & Analytics, and Strategy & Innovation.