Do you and your friends have an idea that could change how Nigerians pay, save or create? Blaze by Ecobank, in partnership with Verve, has opened InnovateX 2026, a nationwide innovation challenge for young Nigerians. You enter as a team of four and pitch your idea in one of two tracks. The challenge is mainly for tertiary students, and it runs for six weeks.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- You must be a Nigerian aged 16 to 25. The InnovateX site shows a different age range in one place, so check this on the registration page.
- You must enter as a team of four.
- Every team member must open and keep an active Blaze account.
- The challenge is mainly for tertiary students, so have a valid school ID ready.
- You must choose one of two tracks:
- Inclusive Finance: ideas such as youth credit, fraud detection and prevention, financial inclusion, payments, gaming and loyalty, and customer experience.
- Creative Economy: ideas such as education, entertainment and the creator economy, service hubs, social innovation, e-commerce, and transport and logistics.
Benefits
- Cash prizes for the top five teams:
- 1st place: ₦5,000,000
- 2nd place: ₦4,000,000
- 3rd place: ₦3,500,000
- 4th place: ₦2,500,000
- 5th place: ₦1,000,000
- Mentorship from industry experts.
- Bootcamps and networking.
- Exposure to Ecobank's innovation team.
- A chance at internships and career opportunities with Ecobank.
Shortlisted teams may pitch at regional events at YABATECH in Lagos, the University of Port Harcourt and the University of Abuja, or present virtually.
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How to Apply
- Form a team of four.
- Open an active Blaze account for each team member.
- Pick your track.
- Complete the online form on the InnovateX registration page.
- Submit your project idea before October 30, 2026.
- Wait for screening and shortlisting.
For more details, visit the InnovateX website.
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
