LAGOS, Nigeria – Ecobank Nigeria, in partnership with Heave Ventures, has unveiled InnovateX, a groundbreaking competition offering N20 million in prizes to young Nigerian innovators in creative arts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Key Details
Target: Nigerians aged 16–25 (creatives & STEM enthusiasts)
Prize Pool: N20M shared among top 10 winners
Features:
✔ Hybrid boot camps (expert-led training)
✔ Pitch workshops & mentorship
✔ Grand finale with industry judges
✔ International exposure opportunities
STEM Track: Developers, engineers, and tech innovators
Creative Track: Designers, artists, and content creators
Why This Matters
Business Skills for Creatives: Teaches monetization, branding, and scaling
Tech Commercialization: Helps STEM talents pitch ideas to investors
Financial Inclusion: Promotes Ecobank’s Blaze Account for young entrepreneurs
Bolaji Lawal, Ecobank Nigeria MD:
“InnovateX isn’t just a contest—it’s a launchpad for Africa’s next-gen innovators. We’re bridging passion with enterprise.”
How to Participate
Register via Ecobank InnovateX Portal
Attend free boot camps (virtual/in-person)
Pitch at the grand finale for funding & recognition
Bonus: All participants get access to Ecobank’s Blaze Account, offering:
-
Zero-fee digital banking
-
Business support tools
-
Networking opportunities
The Bigger Vision
With Nigeria’s creative industry valued at $4.5B+ and its tech ecosystem attracting $1B+ in funding, InnovateX aims to:
Reduce youth unemployment (42.5% in Nigeria)
Boost export-ready innovations in Afrobeats, fintech, and AI
Strengthen Ecobank’s role as a youth-centric financial ally
