Innovation
NTT DATA and MUFG launch the first UK edition of the Startup Bridge Programme
Discover how the programme will bring startups face-to-face with MUFG leadership at the London Showcase this November.
Apply NowAbout the Programme
The MUFG Startup Bridge Programme, delivered in partnership with NTT DATA UK&I, is a brand-new initiative designed to give ambitious startup founders the opportunity to showcase their solutions to senior decision-makers at MUFG – one of the world’s largest banks.
As two global organisations with Japanese heritage and a history of innovation, MUFG and NTT DATA are exploring ways to engage with startups to find new value and opportunities for MUFG. Founders will have the opportunity to pitch live at the Showcase Event in London on 13 November 2025.
Why Apply
The MUFG Startup Bridge Programme gives founders an opportunity to discuss their solutions with senior decision-makers at one of the world’s largest banks.
With support from both MUFG and NTT DATA, for the selected company the journey continues with the potential opportunity to collaborate with MUFG and shape the future of financial services.
Who Should Apply
We are looking for ambitious companies looking to scale, with proven customer traction. Areas of interest include:
- AI Governance – building transparency and control into AI systems as adoption accelerates, ensuring banks can deploy these technologies safely and responsibly.
- Marketing Automation – using AI to drive faster, smarter customer engagement while adapting to a world where cookies and traditional targeting are restricted.
- Agentic AI – developing intelligent agents capable of acting on behalf of users and reshaping customer journeys, from search to transaction and more.
- Digital Banking – creating platforms and services that strengthen the reach and appeal of digital-first banks.
- Intelligence Gathering – applying AI to identify early signals in the economy and financial markets, from company risk to reputation tracking.
- Hyper/Process Automation – harnessing automation at scale to cut costs, reduce risk and increase efficiency across financial services.
- Fraud Detection – tackling phishing, scams and account takeovers, which have become urgent issues in Japan as generative AI lowers the traditional barriers for overseas attackers.
Startups outside these categories are welcome to apply if their solutions align with MUFG’s vision for innovation and the strengthening of ties between the UK and Japan.
How to apply?
Applications will be received until Midnight Monday 13th October 2025.
Selected companies will be required to attend the pitch event in person on 13th November.
The Triple-Win
NTT DATA believes in the concept of the “Triple-Win”: creating value not just for ourselves, but also for our clients and our partners. The MUFG Startup Bridge Programme is built on the same philosophy. It aims to deliver opportunities for startups to grow, for MUFG to engage with new ideas and technologies, and for NTT DATA to support innovative businesses that push the boundaries of technology for social good.
This approach reflects our shared belief that innovation thrives when the right people and ideas are connected. Alongside the Startup Bridge, MUFG is also running a pilot project with an NTT DATA partner, further underlining its commitment to building long-term relationships with innovators.
“NTT DATA has a long history of helping startups bring their ideas to life in partnership with major enterprises. MUFG’s ambition to engage more deeply with the UK’s most innovative companies is an exciting opportunity to connect founders with one of the world’s most influential banks. We look forward to seeing the calibre of applications and the solutions that emerge.”
— Tom Winstanley, Chief Technology Officer and Head of New Ventures, NTT DATA UK&I
About NTT DATA
NTT DATA is a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies.
Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure and connectivity. We are also one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future.
About MUFG
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is one of the world’s leading financial groups. Headquartered in Tokyo and with over 360 years of history, MUFG has a global network with approximately 2,000 locations in more than 40 countries. The Group has about 140,000 employees and offers services including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, and leasing.
The Group aims to “be the world’s most trusted financial group” through close collaboration amongst its operating companies and flexibly respond to all of the financial needs of its customers, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world. MUFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York stock exchanges.
For more information, visit https://www.mufg.jp/english.
Submissions will be reviewed by a joint panel from MUFG and NTT DATA. We’ll be assessing the strength of your technology, your traction with customers, as well as your pitch.
- It solves a problem - ability of the company to solve an enterprise challenge
- Product Market Fit / sustainable business model - capacity of a company that responds to market need
- Degree of Innovation - how innovative is this company
- Growth potential - the technical and economic scalability
- Pitch - quality of the information shared and final pitch.
Yes. Applications will only be shared with the programme team at MUFG and NTT DATA, and all information will be handled in line with the programme’s terms and conditions.
At the event on 13th November, selected companies will pitch to a wider group including MUFG, NTT DATA and others.
