ABOUT MATERA

Matera is a leading global provider of digital ledger software, QR code technology, and instant payment solutions tailored for financial institutions. Trusted by two of the top three global banks, three of the top 10 U.S. banks, and one-third of all banks in Brazil, Matera is expanding its footprint into Canada.

Digital Twin
QR  Code Solution
Wallet as a Service

ABOUT MATERA

Matera is a leading global provider of digital ledger software, QR code technology, and instant payment solutions tailored for financial institutions. Trusted by two of the top three global banks, three of the top 10 U.S. banks, and one-third of all banks in Brazil, Matera is expanding its footprint into Canada.

Digital Twin
QR  Code Solution
Wallet as a Service

WHY ATTEND

Launch the Next Big Thing

Dreaming big is easier when you’re part of a community. At Innovation Weekend, you’ll find the support, inspiration, and expertise to turn your ideas into reality alongside like-minded entrepreneurs, paving the way for something extraordinary.

Ignite Connections with Trailblazers

The Innovation FinTech Weekend is your gateway to a thriving network of visionaries. Whether you’re looking for new friends, collaborators, mentors, co-founders, or investors, this is the ultimate space to connect with individuals who share your drive to build and innovate.

Learn from Industry Leaders

Discover the secrets of innovation from experts who’ve successfully navigated the startup world. With hands-on guidance, you’ll gain invaluable insights into what it takes to disrupt industries and launch a successful business.

Sharpen Your Skills

Accelerate your growth with targeted workshops designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to reach the next level. Whether it’s business strategy or cutting-edge tech, the Innovation Weekend offers the tools you need to thrive.

CIMMO Certification

CIMMO will offer all participants free access to a Career Development Certification entitled “I’ve Graduated, What’s Next? How to Build Your Personal Brand,” designed to support their personal and professional growth.

This course includes:

  • A self-assessment tool
  • Guidance on creating a professional e-portfolio
  • Goal-setting strategies
  • Supplemental materials tailored to each program.

Participants will learn how to overcome career stagnation, gain recognition for their work, develop skills for writing compelling proposals, boost productivity, explore new career opportunities, and improve collaboration.

The regular price for this certification is $465.00.

CIMMO
Certification

CIMMO will offer all participants free access to a Career Development Certification entitled “I’ve Graduated, What’s Next? How to Build Your Personal Brand,” designed to support their personal and professional growth.

This course includes:

  • A self-assessment tool
  • Guidance on creating a professional e-portfolio
  • Goal-setting strategies
  • Supplemental materials tailored to each program.

Participants will learn how to overcome career stagnation, gain recognition for their work, develop skills for writing compelling proposals, boost productivity, explore new career opportunities, and improve collaboration.

The regular price for this certification is $465.00.

FAQ

No prior experience is required—just a passion for innovation and technology.

Bring your creativity, a laptop, and a collaborative mindset! All other tools will be provided.

Absolutely! This event is designed for participants to connect with industry leaders, mentors, and peers.

Yes, complimentary food, snacks, and beverages will be provided throughout the three days of the event.

SCHEDULE

  • Participants check in and welcome
    06:00pm – 06:30 pm
  • Pitch fire – Participants pitch their ideas in 1 min and mentors vote in the ideas/ groups to help
    07:00pm – 07:30 pm

  • Fintech Breakfast
    08:00am – 08:30am
  • Orientation (Weekend Journey and Canvas Business Model)
    08:30am – 09:00am
  • Working session – Phase I (Business).
    09:00am – 09:30am
  • Explore the problem, market research, value proposition, etc.
    10:00am – 11:30am
  • Lunch Break: informal networking.
    11:30am – 12:30pm
  • Working sessions – Phase II (Technical Solution).
    12:30pm – 01:00pm
  • Groups work on a Technical Solution. Focus on building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
    01:00pm – 02:30pm
  • Technical Sessions: experts offer sessions about specific technologies (Cloud Architecture, Cybersecurity and AI).
    01:00pm – 02:30pm
  • Mentors’ Check-In and Progress Update.
    03:00pm – 03:30pm
  • Groups work on a Technical Solution. Focus on building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
    03:30pm – 05:00pm
  • Mentoring and Technical Sessions.
    03:30pm – 05:00pm
  • Orientation and Dinner.
    06:00pm – 06:30pm
  • Students are free to continue working from home.
    06:30pm – 08:00pm

  • Power-Up Breakfast Hour.
    08:00am – 08:30am
  • Pitch Workshop.
    08:30am – 09:00am
  • Final working session and mentor’s meeting.
    09:00am – 09:30am
  • Groups finish the work and prepare the final deck to be presented to the judge.
    10:00am – 11:30am
  • Working lunch: exchange information.
    11:30am – 12:30pm
  • Pitch practice.
    12:30pm – 01:00pm
  • Groups finalise their presentation deck and the pitches.
    01:00pm – 02:30pm
  • Groups practice their pitches and receive feedback from mentors.
    01:00pm – 02:30pm
  • Pitch selection – phase 1.
    03:00pm – 04:30pm
  • Reception of the Judges.
    05:00pm – 05:30pm
  • Pitch time!
    06:00pm – 06:30pm
  • Judge Selection.
    06:30pm – 07:00pm
  • Criteria: innovation, feasibility, potential to scale.
    07:00pm – 07:30pm
  • Awards and closing remarks.
    07:30pm – 08:00pm
  • Celebration and networking.
    08:00pm – Onwards

SPONSORS

PARTNERS

Sponsors

PARTNERS

Sponsors

Simon MacQueen

CEO @ TBC and Brainwork

Simon has dedicated his career to driving transformative change through education and fostering innovation in the business world.

He has worked in a variety of fields and lived in different parts of the world, where he applied a framework of historical and global perspective to these projects.

Since he acquired and expanded a school to help international students and newcomers obtain the skills necessary to adapt to and thrive in Canada’s job market, he has held leadership positions in post-secondary institutions and has led new startup initiatives with the goal of helping people and organizations thrive through the use of technology.

Thierry Sebastien Battistini

Canada Country Manager @ Matera

Thierry currently works as a Canada Country Manager in Matera and a RedwolfAI founder.

He has 23 years of experience as a business and financial strategist with a dynamic record of achievement in design and implementation of sophisticated transformational business management and technology initiatives.

He led the team which developed the proof of concept that the Brazilian Central Bank used to guide its Open Banking public consultation. He was hired directly by the former Central Bank President Henrique Meirelles to unlock the launch of the very first 100% digital bank (Blanco Original). Thierry was the first Brazilian CreditTech CTO (Gero now Open-Co). He sold the nogord.io low code company to Experian in Brazil.

GUESTS

Mathew Mozaffari (Speaker & Judge)

CEO & Founder @Speer Chief Technology Officer @ Grata

Matthew has a passion for computer science which stems beyond the academic and theoretical study of programming.

He believes computer science is just the edge of what we can build.

With these programming tools, we can build solutions in any field and work with the best minds of STEM to help innovate our world to make life easier.

Fast forward to 2019 Mathew has presented on various panels in different universities, hosted a technology and innovation panel with the biggest technology companies in the world.

He has travelled to 6 different countries for various competitions and has been selected as a Top 30 Developer Under 30 in Canada.

Throughout the last 3 years, Mathew has been the youngest at a consulting firm who took on a lead developer and project management role.

He has also designed applications and led end to end project development for various firms – from designing, to MVP, to beta release and production.

Zamir Frotan (Speaker)

Business Operations Strategy Global Lead @ The United Nations

An experienced business operations strategist and management consultant with expertise in change management, organisational development, and business strategy. Zamir possesses a unique skill set essential to driving business efficiency with an MBA in Management, BA in Business Administration, and a certified Project Management Professional.

Zamir has successfully rolled out business operations strategies for the United Nations in 131 countries, delivering positive results in complex environments. With his change management and business strategy expertise, he has helped organisations achieve their goals and drive success.

As the Global Lead for Business Operations Strategy (BOS 2.0) and Global Shared Services in the UN System, Zamir coordinates the efficiency and reform efforts. With a focus on bringing cost reduction and quality improvement to operational services through business consolidation, collaboration, change management and management advisory. Some of his responsibilities include providing technical support to UN Country Teams and regional offices, developing partnerships with the private sector, and designing and implementing change management initiatives to make the UNCTs and RCPs/ROMTs self-sufficient in leading collaborative operations. Zamir also generates and analyses surveys, organize meetings, and conducts training workshops and seminars to support the implementation of Business Operations Strategies Policy.

Through his efforts, the UN System has optimized its operational services and improved client satisfaction while reducing costs. My work has helped drive organizational change and capacity building, resulting in a more efficient and effective UN System.

Bruno Biazzini (Mentor)

Director of Business Development @ CX Hub Smart Consulting Inc.

Bruno Biazzini is a dynamic business consultant and Director of Operations with a diverse background. Passionate about driving growth and fostering innovation, Bruno helps businesses overcome challenges through strategic thinking, adaptability, and strong interpersonal connections.

His people-focused approach emphasises collaboration and empathy, ensuring success within teams and with clients. Drawing on international market experience, Bruno delivers global insights and innovative solutions that position businesses for sustainable growth.

Shelley Carroll (Speaker)

City Councillor for Ward 17 – Don Valley North

Shelley’s first and foremost duty is to her constituents. She has been a proud champion of increasing opportunities for direct democracy in her ward, including implementing Toronto’s first-ever Participatory Budgeting process. Shelley has also secured a number of improvements for her community, including additional park amenities, affordable housing spaces, numerous traffic and pedestrian safety improvements, and the new Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Community Centre, the first community recreation centre and library branch in Toronto to be named in collaboration with the Huron-Wendat Nation.

Shelley’s focus for this term is to continue working hand-in-hand with the community to build a Don Valley North that is liveable and affordable for generations to come.

Liana Baciu (Mentor)

Agile Coach @ RBC

Lia is a senior manager at RBC helping digital teams and leaders to adopt better ways of working and to bring increasing value to clients.

With experience in product delivery, product management and change management in several industries, Lia loves supporting the next generation of adventurers.