Zenith Bank Zecathon Innovation Challenge 2025 (N140 Million Cash Prize)

Published: 15 Oct 2025

Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 Africa's premier innovation challenge for startups and tech innovators. 

Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 brings together developers, entrepreneurs, and visionary innovators to drive Africa's digital transformation. This flagship innovation challenge features two unique programs designed to empower startups and creators to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions.

Program Structure

This competition seeks to elevate startups innovating in these critical sectors:

Phase 1: Startup Pitch Competition

Showcase your startup’s innovation and compete for cash prizes

Phase 2: Incubation Program

Top 5 finalists move into an intensive incubation program to refine their business models and strategies for scalable growth over six weeks, beginning shortly after the pitch competition.

Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 Innovation Challenge

Application Deadline	October 31, 2025
Type	Entrepreneurs
Sponsor	Zenith Bank

Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 Innovation Challenge Benefits

Cash Prizes for top 5 finalists

• 1st place: N30 million
• Other finalists receive N10 million.
• Access mentorship, resources, and growth opportunities
• Collaborate with Africa's brightest innovators
• Turn your ideas into real-world impact

 

Requirements for Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 Innovation Challenge

To be eligible for the Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition & Incubation Program, applicants must:

• Be an early-stage African startups with a registered business entity
• Operate in one or more of the listed focus sectors
• Demonstrate a viable product or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with initial market traction
• Present a scalable business model with clear growth potential

Check also:
Queen Elizabeth Scholarship (How to Apply)

Application Deadline

October 31, 2025

How to Apply

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