Ecobank InnovateX challenge doles out ₦20m to young Nigerian Innovators

Ecobank Nigeria’s Executive Director for Commercial and Consumer Banking, Kola Adeleke, says the bank’s InnovateX Challenge is a game-changer for young Nigerians, helping them transform their passions into groundbreaking solutions with real economic impact.

Speaking at the grand finale held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Lagos, Adeleke described the initiative as a flagship programme for nurturing the next generation of changemakers and driving national growth.

“At Ecobank, we are committed to investing in the future of our youth and shaping a brighter tomorrow for Nigeria,” he said.

“InnovateX fits this vision perfectly. Our digital solutions allow young people to manage their finances anytime, anywhere, especially via mobile, which remains their primary engagement channel.”

Launched in partnership with Heave Ventures, InnovateX targets Nigerians aged between 16 and 25 in the Creative and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) sectors, offering a platform to showcase bold, transformative ideas.

After weeks of applications, bootcamps and intense public voting, eighteen finalists pitched their projects with remarkable skill and passion.

A total of ₦20 million in cash prizes was awarded. In the Creative category, ISIO claimed the ₦5 million top prize, Leadforge received ₦2 million, while Zulana walked away with ₦1 million. In the STEM category, Afrimetrics clinched the ₦5 million first prize, Neighborly secured ₦2 million, and Feedipay took home ₦1 million. Stipple Care and Semita AI each received ₦500,000, while the remaining ten contestants were rewarded with ₦300,000 each.

Adeleke praised the resilience and creativity of the participants and urged winners to use their funds wisely to grow their ventures and expand their influence.

Heave Ventures CEO, Abiodun Lawal, described the InnovateX Challenge as more than a competition, calling it a platform that equips young people with resources, visibility and the belief that their ideas can change the world.

“This is a celebration of vision, courage and the vibrant potential of Nigeria’s youth,” Lawal said. “Your passion lit up the stage, and with the right action, you can shape the future.”

Several contestants lauded Ecobank and Heave Ventures for providing such a powerful platform, with Afrimetrics CEO and STEM first-prize winner, Micah Erumaka, declaring, “Ecobank has shown it genuinely cares about Nigerian youth. This fund will help me expand my business and create jobs.”

Ecobank’s commitment to youth development extends beyond InnovateX. The bank has partnered with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to train and support 16,000 Nigerian youths in agricultural wealth creation, and has also collaborated with EStars, the NYSC, Code 14 Labs, Learntor, AFC, Soto Gallery and others to empower young Nigerians across multiple sectors.