Young innovators across Nigeria are being invited to participate in InnovateX 2026, a national innovation challenge designed to help young people turn technology-driven ideas into practical solutions for challenges in finance, business and society.
InnovateX is the flagship innovation challenge of Blaze, backed by Ecobank, and brings together students, entrepreneurs and emerging technology builders from tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The programme combines mentorship, hands-on bootcamps, regional selections and financial support to help participants develop their ideas beyond the pitching stage.
The 2026 edition features two major competition tracks: Inclusive Finance and Creative Economy. The Inclusive Finance track covers areas including youth credit solutions, fraud detection, financial inclusion, payment innovation, gaming and customer experience, while the Creative Economy track focuses on education, entertainment and the creator economy, e-commerce, social innovation, transport and logistics.
Participants will compete for a combined ₦16 million in direct prize money, with the first-place winner receiving ₦5 million, followed by ₦4 million for second place, ₦3.5 million for third, ₦2.5 million for fourth and ₦1 million for fifth place.
Beyond the prize money, finalists can access mentorship from industry experts, visibility with Ecobank’s innovation team, internship opportunities and potential NYSC placement opportunities.
Regional selection activities are planned for YABATECH in Lagos, the University of Port Harcourt and the University of Abuja, while the InnovateX 2026 finale is scheduled for 30 October 2026.
The programme is targeting Nigerian tertiary students and young innovators, with applicants required to form teams of four and develop solutions aligned with one of the competition tracks.
Apply here https://www.innovatex.africa/register/
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