Zenith Bank Plc has launched the sixth edition of its flagship startup competition and innovation programme, Zecathon 6.0. The programme, in partnership with Beyond Limits, offers a N190 million prize pool for participants across Africa. This year's edition introduces the Future Innovators Challenge for senior secondary schools, alongside the existing Hackathon and Startup Pitch Competition. Applications are open until October 13, 2026.
Zecathon 6.0 focuses on innovation across various sectors, including fast-moving consumer goods, insurance, education, retail and e-commerce, payments, lending, cybersecurity, agriculture, healthcare, and transportation and logistics. The Hackathon requires participants to develop solutions to real-world banking challenges using artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The Startup Pitch Competition targets growth-stage ventures with scalable solutions.
According to Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Zecathon 6.0 represents a step in the bank's efforts to support innovation and digital transformation in Africa. The introduction of the Future Innovators Challenge provides an avenue for young students to participate in the innovation ecosystem. This initiative enables developers, students, and founders to collaborate and develop solutions addressing emerging challenges in banking and business.
The prize pool for Zecathon 6.0 is substantial, with winners in the Hackathon and Startup Pitch Competition categories receiving N35 million each. Second-place finalists receive N20 million each, while third-place finalists receive N15 million each. Fourth and fifth-place finalists in both categories receive N10 million each. The top three schools in the Future Innovators Challenge receive N5 million, N3 million, and N2 million respectively.
Zecathon 6.0 builds on the success of Zecathon 5.0, which awarded N140 million in prizes to participants. The expanded programme aims to accelerate the development of digital solutions while equipping young people with skills needed to participate in Africa's growing technology ecosystem. Startups and innovators across Africa, as well as senior secondary schools in Nigeria, can apply through cutt.ly/zecathon6 before the deadline.
The programme is open to startups and developers across Africa, as well as senior secondary schools in Nigeria, who can apply free of charge. The initiative enables participants to collaborate and develop solutions capable of addressing emerging challenges in banking and business. By supporting innovation and digital transformation, Zenith Bank aims to drive Africa's growth in the technology sector.
With the deadline for applications set for October 13, 2026, interested participants can submit their applications through cutt.ly/zecathon6. The programme offers a platform for innovators, startups, and students to showcase their skills and compete for a share of the N190 million prize pool. Zecathon 6.0 is a significant initiative that supports the development of digital solutions and empowers young people in Africa.
Key points
- Zenith Bank launches Zecathon 6.0 with a N190m prize pool for innovators, startups, and students across Africa.
- The programme introduces the Future Innovators Challenge for senior secondary schools, alongside the existing Hackathon and Startup Pitch Competition.
- Applications for Zecathon 6.0 are open until October 13, 2026, through cutt.ly/zecathon6.
