Zenith Bank Plc has opened applications for ZECATHON 6.0, its innovation challenge designed to support startups, developers, designers, innovators and secondary school students with ideas capable of addressing real-world problems.
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The 2026 edition features three major opportunities: the Startup Pitch Competition, Hackathon and Zenith Future Innovators Challenge. Together, the programmes offer ₦190 million in total cash prizes and provide participants with opportunities to showcase ideas, receive mentorship, connect with other innovators and develop solutions with potential for wider impact.
The Startup Pitch Competition is targeted at growth-stage African startups building businesses with the potential to scale. Participants will have an opportunity to showcase their ventures, connect with investors and unlock strategic opportunities. The top five startups will share ₦90 million, with ₦35 million for first place, ₦20 million for second, ₦15 million for third, and ₦10 million each for fourth and fifth positions.
The Hackathon is designed for developers, designers and innovators who want to build solutions to real-world banking challenges using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. The top five teams will share ₦90 million, with the same prize structure as the Startup Pitch Competition.
The Zenith Future Innovators Challenge is for senior secondary school students with bold ideas. Participants will work in teams to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. The top three schools will share ₦10 million, with ₦5 million for first place, ₦3 million for second and ₦2 million for third.
The initiative brings together entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, giving participants a chance to demonstrate problem-solving abilities beyond the competition itself. It also creates opportunities for collaboration across Africa’s innovation ecosystem, while helping ideas gain visibility among potential partners, investors and industry stakeholders. For students, the challenge offers exposure to innovation and teamwork; for startups and technical participants, it provides a platform to test ideas, build solutions and compete for financial rewards.
Why join
ZECATHON 6.0 provides participants with a platform to turn ideas into practical solutions, showcase their work, collaborate with innovators and access mentorship and growth opportunities.
How to apply
Applications are open for the three competitions. Interested participants should visit the official application portal, review the eligibility criteria and terms and conditions, select the relevant competition and complete the application process.
The application deadline is October 13, 2026.
Apply through: https://beyondlimits.global/zecathon6/
