Ecobank Nigeria has awarded a total of N20 million in cash prizes and growth opportunities to winners of the InnovateX Challenge, a youth-focused competition designed to support young talents in the creative and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) sectors. The grand finale took place at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos, marking the conclusion of weeks of intense competition, bootcamps, and public voting.
The InnovateX Challenge, organised by Ecobank Nigeria in partnership with Heave Ventures, targeted Nigerian youths aged 16 to 25, with the aim of helping them understand the business side of their creative and technical skills. Speaking at the event, Executive Director of Commercial and Consumer Banking at Ecobank Nigeria, Kola Adeleke, said the initiative aligns with the bank’s mission of shaping a brighter future for young Nigerians. According to him, Ecobank is committed to investing in youth empowerment while providing digital products and services that are easily accessible, especially via mobile, which remains the main engagement channel for young people.
In the creative category, ISIO emerged first with a cash prize of N5 million, followed by Leadforge with N2 million, and Zulana with N1 million. In the STEM category, Afrimetrics claimed the top prize of N5 million, Neighbourly came second with N2 million, and Feedipay secured N1 million for third place. Two other participants, Stipple Care and Semita AI, each received N500,000, while the remaining 10 finalists were awarded N300,000 each.
Chief Executive Officer of Heave Ventures, Abiodun Lawal, described the challenge as more than just a competition, calling it a platform that celebrates courage, vision, and the vibrant potential of Nigeria’s youth. He stressed that the programme provides participants with the tools, exposure, and belief needed to grow their ventures into sustainable businesses.
Participants expressed gratitude to Ecobank and Heave Ventures, noting that the exposure, mentorship, and funding would go a long way in boosting their ventures. Micah Erumaka, CEO of Afrimetrics and winner of the STEM category, said the funding would help him expand operations and create jobs, adding that such initiatives demonstrate corporate commitment to youth development.
The InnovateX Challenge stands as a model for how corporate organisations can foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills development among Nigerian youths. With participants drawn from various sectors, the event showcased fresh ideas and solutions that have the potential to address local challenges while opening up new opportunities in both creative and technology-driven industries.
