Ecobank Nigeria and Verve have officially launched InnovateX 2026, a youth empowerment challenge offering N20 million in prizes to young Nigerians aged 16 to 25. The initiative targets students, innovators, entrepreneurs, technology enthusiasts, and creatives seeking funding, mentorship, and exposure to advance their projects.
N20 Million Prize Pool and Eligible Projects
InnovateX 2026 is designed to identify and support young Nigerians developing solutions in inclusive finance and the creative economy. Eligible participants can submit projects spanning technology, engineering, science, product design, content creation, digital media, entertainment, fashion, and other creative disciplines.
Beyond the prize money, the programme provides participants with practical knowledge and opportunities to connect with experts, industry leaders, and potential investors. The innovation journey includes hybrid bootcamps, expert-led workshops, mentorship sessions, networking opportunities, and a grand finale pitch competition where finalists present their ideas before a panel of industry leaders and investors.
Who Can Participate and What It Offers
The challenge is open to young Nigerians between 16 and 25 years old who are building innovative solutions, businesses, creative brands, or projects capable of addressing real-world problems. Students with promising ideas, tech innovators, entrepreneurs, and young creatives are encouraged to apply.
According to Victor Yalokwu, Head of Products & Analytics at Ecobank Nigeria, the initiative was created to harness Nigeria’s growing pool of youthful talent and entrepreneurial energy. Yalokwu stated that InnovateX would provide a platform for young people to transform bold ideas into impactful solutions and sustainable businesses.
Participants will gain access to the knowledge, mentorship, exposure, and resources needed to compete in an increasingly technology-driven market, Yalokwu added. He encouraged students, innovators, tech enthusiasts, creators, and entrepreneurs across Nigeria to take advantage of the opportunity.
Ecobank’s Broader Youth Empowerment Strategy
Ecobank said InnovateX forms part of its broader youth empowerment strategy. The bank continues to provide tailored financial services through its Blaze Account, a youth-focused product that offers features including access to exclusive opportunities, debit cards, zero-cost monthly transfers, and participation in developmental initiatives such as InnovateX.
For young Nigerians with ideas but limited access to funding, mentorship, or industry networks, the N20 million InnovateX 2026 opportunity could offer a valuable pathway from concept to growth.
In a related development, Legit.ng earlier reported that the federal government invited student entrepreneurs across Nigeria to apply for the second cohort of the Student Venture Capital Grant, also known as the Next Moonshot Initiative, which will award up to N50 million each to 50 selected ventures. Adebayo Onigbanjo, National Coordinator of the Special Programme Operations and Implementation Unit at the Federal Ministry of Education, announced this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday, September 4.
