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Ecobank Nigeria has encouraged young Nigerians, especially students, innovators, entrepreneurs, and creatives between the ages of 16 and 25, to apply for its ongoing InnovateX 2026 youth innovation challenge, which offers ₦20 million in prizes alongside mentorship, business development support, and access to industry professionals.
The initiative, powered by Blaze by Ecobank in partnership with Verve, aims to discover and support emerging talents creating innovative solutions in areas such as inclusive finance and the creative economy.
Participants in the programme will benefit from a structured innovation journey featuring hybrid bootcamps, expert-led training sessions, mentorship opportunities, networking engagements, and a final pitch competition where selected finalists will present their ideas to industry experts and investors.
The competition is open to young Nigerians developing projects in fields including technology, engineering, science, product design, content creation, digital media, entertainment, fashion, and other creative sectors.
Speaking on the opportunity, Victor Yalokwu, Head of Products & Analytics, Ecobank Nigeria, said the programme was created to help young Nigerians turn their ideas into meaningful solutions and sustainable ventures.
He noted that Nigeria has a wealth of youthful talent and creativity, adding that InnovateX provides a platform for students, innovators, technology enthusiasts, creators, and entrepreneurs to develop their skills and achieve their ambitions.
Yalokwu further stated that the future belongs to young people who are ready to innovate, solve problems, and create value, adding that the initiative provides participants with the knowledge, mentorship, exposure, and resources needed to thrive in a competitive digital environment.
He explained that InnovateX goes beyond rewarding ideas, as it is also focused on building confidence, developing talent, and connecting young people with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
According to him, participants working on technology solutions, creative brands, or innovations aimed at improving lives can use the platform to showcase their abilities and accelerate their journey to success.
As part of its youth empowerment efforts, Ecobank continues to provide innovative banking solutions through its Blaze Account, a youth-focused service offering exclusive opportunities, a specially designed debit card, free monthly transfers, and access to initiatives such as InnovateX.
Interested applicants can submit their applications through www.innovatex.africa before the registration deadline.
With ₦20 million in prizes and opportunities for mentorship, skills development, exposure, and industry recognition, InnovateX 2026 is expected to serve as a major platform for promoting youth innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
