JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -

About a month still remains for startups to submit their applications to be a part of the 2020 FIS Fintech Accelerator, which is conducted in collaboration with the state of Arkansas and Little Rock-based The Venture Center.

Now in its fifth year, the FIS Fintech Accelerator program is designed to identify and help startup firms accelerate the development of innovative solutions that bring new capabilities to the financial services community. FIS said applications can be completed through March 6 at www.venturecenter.co/fisfintech.

FIS explained 10 high-potential startups will be selected to take part in the 12-week program beginning June 3 that includes in-depth mentoring and training from FIS and the Venture Center, as well as a monetary investment. During the program, selected firms will also receive feedback from leading bank and financial institution clients.

At the conclusion of the program, the participants will pitch their solutions to investors and industry participants at the 2020 FIS Demo Day in August.

The company highlighted past participants of the Accelerator program have won numerous industry awards including Finovate’s Best in Show. They have also raised tens of millions of dollars in capital to advance their businesses and established partnerships with leading financial institutions to bring their solutions to market.

“The FIS Fintech Accelerator is a key element of our larger FIS Ventures program and is focused on identifying, mentoring and investing in promising startup firms that can bring disruptive, value-added fintech solutions to our clients,” said John Crawford, head of M&A and ventures at FIS.

“We are always excited to see the innovations that come through this annual program and we look forward to this year’s field of submissions,” Crawford continued in a news release.

Previous participants of the FIS Accelerator have explored innovations in artificial intelligence, authentication, cybersecurity, consumer lending, credit verification, student loan repayment, retirement planning, process automation and a range of other leading-edge technologies. A number of past graduates have also gone on to sign reseller and investment agreements with FIS and receive industry recognition.

“Companies looking for exposure and collaboration with the largest fintech provider in the world should look no further than the FIS Fintech Accelerator,” said Wayne Miller, executive director of The Venture Center.

“This year’s program will continue to build on what we have already accomplished in helping financial institutions gain better insights on their customer’s financial needs, improve their operations, and enhance the overall customer experience,” Miller continued.

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson added, “Arkansas is the birthplace of fintech, and we continue to lead through the FIS Fintech Accelerator, in partnership with The Venture Center. “The Accelerator’s excellent results speak for themselves and show that collaboration and innovation go hand in hand.

“As Arkansas’s governor, I’m excited to welcome the most promising fintechs in the world to our great state, where they will find the needed support for success,” Hutchinson went on to say.