WNE University Announces FinTech AI 413 Startup Program

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England University announced its new FinTech AI 413 Startup program Wednesday.

FinTech, short for Financial Technology, involves computer programs that support financial needs such as mobile banking and money transfer applications.

The program will aim to teach students how technology is used in business areas such as tax preparation, credit cards and banking.

The course will also provide financial literacy and teach students how to combine these skills with AI to develop their own software applications.

WNE President Robert Johnson said it can be very difficult for startups and small businesses to succeed without knowing how to use AI, so the experience will be very beneficial.

“They work with technology, which allows them to partner with businesses like M&T Bank and others right here in the community to get hands-on experience,” Johnson said. “They not only work to grow their businesses, but they also meet with people who are already in business.”

WNE undergraduate and graduate students will complete their summer incubator internships later this month. They will hold a demonstration of their completed work in September.

The startup program effort was made possible by a $75,000 donation from MassMutual.