--- title: "MPE 2026’s Innovation Hub: The Battle for the Future of Payments" description: Berlin’s MPE 2026 event unites start-ups and merchants to tackle AI-powered fraud, embedded finance and cross-border payments – with investors on hand. author: Darie Nani (Editor-in-Chief) date: 2025-11-26T14:18:54.000Z updated: 2026-02-26T18:01:37.917Z canonical: https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/mpe-2026-s-innovation-hub-the-battle-for-the-future-of-payments image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/hqgvtxx_wce-1.jpg categories: FinTech, Networking content_type: News region: Berlin publication: Sovereign Magazine about: - type: Organization name: MPE (Merchant Payments Ecosystem) description: "MPE (Merchant Payments Ecosystem) is Europe's premier merchant payments conference, attracting over 1,600 attendees annually, including more than 500 merchants. The conference brings together payment service providers, technology vendors, merchants and industry experts to explore the latest developments in European merchant payments, including card acquiring, open banking, embedded finance, payment orchestration and regulatory developments like PSD3.\n\nMPE 2026 takes place in Berlin from 17 to 19 March at the InterContinental hotel. The event features keynote presentations from leading industry figures, interactive workshops, networking opportunities and an Innovation Hub showcasing emerging payment technologies and fintech startups." url: https://www.merchantpaymentsecosystem.com --- In March 2026, Berlin’s InterContinental hotel will host the [MPE 2026 Innovation Hub](https://www.merchantpaymentsecosystem.com/experience-mpe/innovation-hub/), where 12 startups will compete to address critical challenges in the $1 trillion payments industry. This event is not about flashy presentations. Instead, it focuses on proving real-world solutions to inefficiencies, outdated systems, and rising fraud. Last year’s winner, [Securely Group](https://thepaypers.com/fraud-and-fincrime/news/securely-group-launches-usd-6-million-series-a-funding), demonstrated how impactful solutions can reshape the industry. The Australian startup tackled a $1 trillion scam crisis and, after winning, secured $6 million in funding. It then expanded into North America, Europe, and Africa, setting a benchmark for success in this space. ## The Scale of the Problem Germany lost €267 billion to cybercrime in 2024, with phishing scams responsible for 70% of digital fraud losses. Across Europe, fraud attempts rose by 43% in 2025, driven by AI-powered social engineering. Instant payment fraud in Germany jumped by 110%, exposing weaknesses in real-time transaction systems. Yet, only 60% of victims report these incidents, leaving gaps that startups are racing to fill. Securely Group’s victory at [MPE 2025](https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/secure-your-mpe-2025-tickets-final-hours-for-exclusive-10-discount) came at a critical time. The company addressed a crisis that regulators, banks, and legacy players had struggled to contain. ‘We were honoured to pitch in Berlin all the way from Australia,’ said Rob Neely, founder and director of Securely Group. ‘Making the final three (and later winning) was completely unexpected.’ The win provided validation in an industry where trust is essential. ## Lessons from Past Winners Securely Group is not alone in turning an accelerator opportunity into rapid growth. [Flatpay](https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/16/fast-growing-danish-startup-flatpay-joins-the-club-of-european-fintech-unicorns-to-track/), a Danish fintech, achieved unicorn status after raising $170 million and scaling its revenue to $140 million in 2025. Its focus on simplifying card payments for small businesses with flat-rate pricing and AI tools aligns with what MPE judges prioritise: practical, merchant-focused solutions. [Payrails](https://www.payrails.com/blog/payrails-series-a), a Berlin-based payment operating system, raised $32 million in 2025 and now processes over 1 million daily transactions. Its success highlights the demand for solutions that optimise payment operations at scale. Both companies show a clear pattern: winners do not just propose ideas, they deliver results. ## Key Trends for 2026 This year’s competitors must align with three major trends shaping merchant payments: **Embedded Finance:** Payments are becoming seamless and integrated. Merchants want solutions that blend financial services (like lending, insurance, or fraud detection) directly into their platforms. As [non-financial companies reshape the future of finance](https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/non-financial-companies-are-becoming-the-future-of-finance), Visa’s push into [embedded finance](https://corporate.visa.com/en/sites/visa-perspectives/trends-insights/top-trends-shaping-2025-payments.html) reflects this shift. **AI-Powered Fraud Prevention:** With fraud losses increasing, real-time detection is critical. AI tools that analyse transaction behaviours are now essential. The European Central Bank reported €4.3 billion lost to fraud in 2022, a problem that continues to worsen. **Cross-Border Payments:** Merchants need faster, cheaper, and more transparent solutions for global transactions. Blockchain, tokenisation, and real-time payment networks are key areas of focus, as seen in Visa’s and Mastercard’s recent initiatives. ## Why MPE’s Innovation Hub Matters Unlike generic startup events, MPE’s Innovation Hub offers a curated platform for high-impact visibility. The 12 selected companies gain three days of exposure, live pitches, and direct access to over 1,600 payments professionals, 500 merchants, and a network of 50,000+. It is not just about exposure, it is about validation. ‘The MPE stage is where startups prove they’re ready for the market,’ said a 2025 attendee. ‘Investors and merchants aren’t just listening, they’re taking action.’ This model differs from other [startup pitch competitions](https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/100k-prize-for-eco-startups-in-europe-s-got-access-pitch-battle-at-money-20-20) like Visa’s accelerator or Mastercard’s Tech Hubs. MPE bridges the gap between innovation and market-ready solutions, providing a pipeline of vetted startups to investors and partners. For participants, it’s a chance to connect with decision-makers who can accelerate growth. Building on [MPE’s established reputation as Europe’s premier merchant payments conference](https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/mpe2020-europe-s-largest-merchant-payments-conference-set-to-be-the-best-yet), the Innovation Hub represents the evolution of how the industry discovers and validates new solutions. ## The Road to Berlin Applications for the MPE 2026 Innovation Hub are now open. The 12 finalists will face a jury of merchants, investors, and industry veterans who expect more than polished presentations. Success will depend on demonstrating traction, solving real problems, and showing a clear path to scaling. For Securely Group, winning was a turning point. For the 2026 cohort, it could mean the difference between obscurity and leading the next wave of payments innovation. [Applications close soon](https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/mpe-2026-building-the-next-generation-of-payments-leaders), and only 12 will make the cut. To learn more or apply, visit the [MPE 2026 Innovation Hub](https://www.merchantpaymentsecosystem.com/experience-mpe/innovation-hub/). **About MPE (Merchant Payments Ecosystem)** MPE (Merchant Payments Ecosystem) is Europe's premier merchant payments conference, attracting over 1,600 attendees annually, including more than 500 merchants. The conference brings together payment service providers, technology vendors, merchants and industry experts to explore the latest developments in European merchant payments, including card acquiring, open banking, embedded finance, payment orchestration and regulatory developments like PSD3. MPE 2026 takes place in Berlin from 17 to 19 March at the InterContinental hotel. The event features keynote presentations from leading industry figures, interactive workshops, networking opportunities and an Innovation Hub showcasing emerging payment technologies and fintech startups. [Website](https://www.merchantpaymentsecosystem.com)