Ecobank InnovateX 2026: Apply for ₦20m Youth Innovation Challenge
Young Nigerians with bold ideas in technology, finance, business and the creative economy can now apply for the Blaze by Ecobank InnovateX Challenge 2026.
This is a nationwide innovation competition offering a total ₦20 million prize pool.
Powered by Blaze by Ecobank in partnership with Verve, the programme is designed to help young innovators transform ideas into practical solutions while gaining access to mentorship, industry experts, bootcamps and professional opportunities.
The challenge is targeted at Nigerian tertiary students aged 16 to 25 with innovative ideas capable of addressing real-world problems.
What Is InnovateX 2026?
InnovateX is Ecobank’s flagship youth innovation challenge, created to identify and support emerging talents developing solutions across financial services, technology, business and the creative economy.
Participants will progress through idea submission, screening, regional selection, mentorship and pitching stages before the grand finale.
The programme features two major competition tracks:
1. Inclusive Finance
Applicants can develop solutions around areas such as:
- Financial inclusion
- Youth credit solutions
- Payment innovation
- Fraud detection and prevention
- Customer experience
- Gaming and loyalty solutions
2. Creative Economy
This track covers ideas in areas including:
- Education
- Entertainment and creator economy
- E-commerce
- Social innovation
- Service hubs
- Transport and logistics
Who Can Apply?
The challenge is open to Nigerian tertiary students aged 16 to 25 with a valid school identification.
Applicants are required to participate in teams of four and must have an active Blaze by Ecobank account as part of the application process.
The competition welcomes young people with ideas across technology, engineering, science, product design, digital media, content creation, entertainment and other creative disciplines.
₦20 Million in Prizes
The top five teams will share the listed cash prizes as follows:
- 1st Place — ₦5 million
- 2nd Place — ₦4 million
- 3rd Place — ₦3.5 million
- 4th Place — ₦2.5 million
- 5th Place — ₦1 million
Beyond the cash awards, participants can gain access to mentorship, expert-led workshops, networking opportunities, bootcamps and exposure to Ecobank’s innovation team.
Finalists may also benefit from internship opportunities with Ecobank, potential NYSC placement opportunities, free debit cards and InnovateX ambassador kits.
Regional Selection
Shortlisted teams will have opportunities to pitch their ideas during regional activations or participate virtually.
The listed regional locations include:
- Lagos — YABATECH
- South East/South South — University of Port Harcourt
- FCT/North — University of Abuja
The programme will culminate in a grand finale scheduled for October 30, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible young Nigerians should form a four-member team, maintain an active Blaze account, select their preferred competition track and complete the online InnovateX registration process.
Applicants will then submit their project ideas for screening and possible selection for the next stage.
Apply through the official InnovateX platform: InnovateX 2026 Application Portal
Young Nigerians with innovative ideas are encouraged to apply early and use the opportunity to turn their concepts into solutions with the potential for real-world impact.
