Western New England University’s FinTech+AI 413 Startup Launch Series welcomes Country Bank as a platinum sponsor

On Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in WNE’s University Commons, the FinTech Incubator at Western New England University (WNE) College of Business hosted its second annual Idea Jam, kicking off the second season of its FinTech + AI 413 Startup Launch Series. Designed to foster the growth of local entrepreneurs in the FinTech and AI sectors, the event draws a diverse group of participants from area institutions. Past participants included students from Springfield College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, The Hartford, and Western New England University.

Participants have the opportunity to pitch their own startup ideas or choose from a list of suggested concepts provided by event organizers. The evening began with an insightful overview of FinTech, featuring discussions on business models of leading startups in the industry, led by WNE Professor Mary Schoonmaker. It was followed by a networking session with experienced mentors and breakout discussions, where participants could refine their ideas with expert guidance.

This year’s series will also mark the beginning of a new partnership between WNE and Country Bank. Country Bank joins MassMutual as a platinum sponsor of the FinTech + AI 413 Startup Launch Series and is the exclusive banking partner of this series. This sponsorship provides financial support and mentorship resources to help aspiring entrepreneurs in the Springfield area turn their ideas into reality.

“At Country Bank, we recognize the importance of innovation in driving economic growth and opportunity in our region,” said Marco Bernasconi, Chief Operating & Innovation Officer of Country Bank. “By supporting this initiative, we are investing in the future of FinTech and AI entrepreneurs who will shape the financial landscape within our region. We are excited to collaborate with WNE to empower these visionaries and help them bring their ideas to life.”

Event organizer WNE Professor Charles Mutigwe expressed enthusiasm for the growing awareness and impact of the program.

“Country Bank’s investment in this initiative is a testament to their commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth in Western Massachusetts,” said Charles Mutigwe, associate professor of Business Analytics and leader of the WNE FinTech Incubator. “With their support, we can expand our efforts to provide the resources that local entrepreneurs need to succeed.”

The Fintech +AI 413 series will continue on April 10, with a Pitch Camp, where mentors will help participants refine and practice their startup elevator pitches. Registration for this event remains open to any student or Massachusetts resident.

“We are excited to see students and professionals come together to explore innovative ideas in FinTech and AI. These events are all about collaboration and creativity, and we look forward to seeing these ideas develop throughout the series,” said Professor Yamini Jha, a professional educator of Business Analytics and a WNE FinTech Incubator faculty member.

Visit the website for more details and registration information for upcoming events in the FinTech + AI 413 Startup Launch Series.

About the FinTech Incubator at WNE

The FinTech Incubator (FTI) at Western New England University’s College of Business is a driving force for innovation, connecting enterprises, entrepreneurs, students, and industry experts with essential resources to advance Artificial Intelligence and FinTech. As a key contributor to the Commonwealth’s growing AI and FinTech ecosystem—particularly in Western Massachusetts—FTI provides access to WNE’s state-of-the-art, high-performance computing facility, the first affordable resource of its kind in the region.

FTI is committed to developing a strong FinTech talent pool by preparing students for careers in the industry while also upskilling the existing workforce. Through hands-on learning, enhanced coursework, and industry collaborations, the incubator serves as a training hub that equips professionals with cutting-edge skills for the next decade of technological transformation. Additionally, FTI fosters a thriving FinTech ecosystem by supporting small and mid-sized businesses, promoting access and inclusion in the marketplace, and driving economic growth through AI-powered solutions. By incubating and launching Massachusetts-based FinTech startups, FTI plays a crucial role in maximizing the economic impact of this rapidly evolving sector. Sponsors of the program include MassMutual, M. Scott Investments and Country Bank.