Why we innovate



Community banks remain financial service innovators and creative problem solvers. ICBA provides innovation opportunities for community banks and supports innovative partnerships and solutions to help community banks thrive.

Together, with community banks, we work to identify and foster community bank-enabled fintech partnerships by bringing community bank leaders together with fintech visionaries to cultivate a high-tech, high-touch banking experience for customers.

Community bankers must remain vigilant in exploring ways to implement solutions that keep community banks competitive in an ever-changing financial landscape.

That’s why ICBA invests in innovation by offering the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator program to community bankers, thought leadership on emerging banking innovations, and specialized events designed to help community banks stay ahead.

Registration open for ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator 7!

Be a part of shaping the future of community bank innovation. Join us for a 3.5-hour session to hear from emerging fintech solutions poised to change the way your bank and its customers do business.

Become more efficient, competitive, and profitable by attending these sessions designed to make your bank more strategic and impact bank solutions of the future.

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ThinkTECH Accelerator Badge

ThinkTECH Accelerator

A community bank focused fintech accelerator designed to identify and foster community bank-enabled fintech partnerships.

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ThinkTECH Programs

ThinkTECH Programs and Events

Innovation programming designed to spur community bank growth and strategy development.

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ThinkTECH Solutions Directory

Find Solutions

Start your search of all the ICBA services and preferred provider solutions to gain access to high-quality products and services, best-in-class pricing and educational tools and training.

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Latest Innovation News

ICBA kicks off ThinkTECH 3.0

Aug. 13, 2020

ICBA announced the kickoff of its third ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator program in partnership with The Venture Center. The latest iteration of the successful global fintech accelerator will build upon the success and momentum of the 2020 program.

The unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic "are driving innovation" and creating successful community bank fintech partnerships, said ICBA's Chief Innovation Officer Charles Potts. As community banks "consider additional measures in support of their customers, ICBA will be there to facilitate key connections with promising fintechs through our ThinkTECH initiatives.”

A selection committee of ICBA staff and community bank executives will serve as mentors to early-stage companies vying for top spots in the selection process. Finalists will receive ICBA investments and undergo a rigorous 12-week bootcamp program.

Community banks are encouraged to nominate potential candidates for this year’s program. The nomination period closes Sept. 15, 2020.

Read the release

ICBA kicks off ThinkTECH 3.0

Aug. 13, 2020

ICBA announced the kickoff of its third ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator program in partnership with The Venture Center. The latest iteration of the successful global fintech accelerator will build upon the success and momentum of the 2020 program.

The unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic "are driving innovation" and creating successful community bank fintech partnerships, said ICBA's Chief Innovation Officer Charles Potts. As community banks "consider additional measures in support of their customers, ICBA will be there to facilitate key connections with promising fintechs through our ThinkTECH initiatives.”

A selection committee of ICBA staff and community bank executives will serve as mentors to early-stage companies vying for top spots in the selection process. Finalists will receive ICBA investments and undergo a rigorous 12-week bootcamp program.

Community banks are encouraged to nominate potential candidates for this year’s program. The nomination period closes Sept. 15, 2020.

Read the release