HubPharm Africa, a health tech enterprise led by Sesan Kareem, has emerged as the maiden winner of the 2026 Pitchathon, organized as part of The Gathering On 100 event sponsored by MTN Nigeria in Lagos. Coconoto, led by Jacob Abiodun, came second, while Ravasend, led by Emmanuel Isika, secured third place. The winner received N15 million for its efforts, while second and third place winners earned N10 million and N5 million respectively.
Additionally, five other participants received consolation prizes of N3 million each. They were URI Social, led by Precious Zino; Africa Medical Marketplace, led by Augusta Okafor; Dulces Jam, led by Oguguah Denzel Ugochukwu; MyFund, led by Tolulope Ahmed; and KindlyBook, led by Charles Dairo.
The Gathering On 100 was an event featuring various activities that ran non-stop for 100 hours at the National Stadium in Surulere. At the climax of the five-day immersive youth experience, MTN Nigeria and the event organizers unveiled the defining message of the movement: "Live It 100." The event brought together thousands of young Nigerians in a massive convergence of music, sports, gaming, and creative sessions. From watching the sunrise for four consecutive mornings to actively shaping culture in real-time, attendees experienced a shared journey rooted in endurance and expression.
Operating under a partnership model rather than a traditional corporate sponsorship, MTN stepped back to let the youth lead. The company embraced the primary narrative that "The Gathering is the fire; MTN is the oxygen." Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, said: "The energy we have witnessed here in Surulere over the past 100 hours is proof of the unstoppable spirit of the Nigerian youth. Our strategic intent was to position MTN as the critical engine behind this vibrant youth movement, ensuring the brand is seen as an enabler, not an intruder. The Gathering is the fire; MTN is the oxygen. 'Live It 100' is our commitment to powering the platform where the conversation happens. We are giving them the autonomy to lead, while we listen."
A focal point of the event was the high-stakes Pitchathon segment, which provided a structured arena for startups to showcase working products. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, said: "The ideas and partnerships formed over these 100 hours show exactly what happens when corporate Nigeria is finally listening to young Nigerians. We recognise that traditional business engagement doesn't always work for this generation, which is why we empowered the youth to lead. By supporting The Gathering, we are not just celebrating culture; we are fueling the young Nigerian through youth-led innovation and actively investing in their economic potential."
