Applications are open for Ecobank InnovateX Challenge 2026. Blaze by Ecobank, in partnership with Verve, is inviting young Nigerians to apply for InnovateX 2026, a nationwide innovation challenge designed to help tertiary students turn creative and technology-driven ideas into practical solutions.
Top teams will share a total prize pool of ₦20 million, alongside mentorship, internship placements, and a shot at NYSC placement with one of Africa’s biggest banking groups.
Innovate X is Blaze’s flagship innovation challenge, backed by Ecobank, built for young Nigerians aged 16 to 30 who see problems as invitations, not obstacles. This year, Innovate X brings together the country’s sharpest young minds, students, thinkers, dreamers, and doers, from tertiary institutions nationwide, to build real solutions for real challenges in banking, technology, business, and society. With mentorship from industry leaders, hands-on bootcamps, and funding to match the ambition, Innovate X isn’t just where ideas get pitched, it is where ideas come to life.
The programme offers a ₦20 million advertised prize pool, alongside mentorship, bootcamps, networking opportunities and potential career opportunities with Ecobank. The grand finale is scheduled for 30 October 2026.
Ecobank InnovateX Challenge Benefits
Participants can compete for cash prizes and access opportunities to develop their ideas through mentorship and practical training.
The published prizes for the top five teams are:
- First place: ₦5 million
- Second place: ₦4 million
- Third place: ₦3.5 million
- Fourth place: ₦2.5 million
- Fifth place: ₦1 million
Beyond the cash, participants also get:
- Mentorship from industry leaders and Ecobank’s technology team
- An internship opportunity with Ecobank
- NYSC placement opportunities
- Free debit cards
- Exclusive InnovateX ambassador kits
- Direct visibility to Ecobank’s innovation team
Other benefits include mentorship from industry experts, visibility to Ecobank’s innovation team, internship opportunities, potential NYSC placement opportunities and free debit cards.
Competition Tracks
Applicants can develop ideas under either of these tracks:
- Inclusive Finance
- For those who see money as a tool for change.
- Includes:
- Credit Solutions for Youths
- Fraud Detection & Prevention Innovation
- Financial Inclusion Solutions
- Payment Innovation
- Gaming/Loyalty
- Customer Experience Enhancement
- Creative Economy
- For those who see culture, community, and commerce as one canvas.
- Includes:
- Education
- Entertainment & Creator Economy
- Service Hub
- Social Innovation
- E-Commerce
- Transport and Logistics
Eligibility Criteria for Ecobank InnovateX Challenge
InnovateX is open to:
- Nigerian citizens
- Students currently enrolled in a Nigerian tertiary institution
- Applicants between 16 and 25 years old
- Teams of four members
- Holders of a valid school ID
You will also need to open and maintain an active Blaze account, since it is a requirement for participation and doubles as your gateway to other perks tied to the programme.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Form a team of four members.
- Open and maintain an active Blaze account.
- Choose either the Inclusive Finance or Creative Economy track.
- Complete the online registration form.
- Submit their project idea within the application window.
- Await screening and shortlisting.
Shortlisted teams may progress to regional selections and subsequent programme activities. Regional activation locations listed on the website include YABATECH in Lagos, the University of Port Harcourt and the University of Abuja.
Click Here To Apply and For More Details
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Grand finale scheduled: 30 October 2026
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