Winners of the InnovateX Challenge organised by Ecobank Nigeria took home cash prizes worth N20m and growth opportunities.

The grand finale of the competition was held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos.

The InnovateX Challenge, organised by Ecobank Nigeria in collaboration with Heave Ventures, was designed for young talents aged 16 to 25 in the creative and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics sectors and aims to empower creatives to understand the business side of their craft.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Commercial and Consumer Banking at Ecobank Nigeria, Kola Adeleke, said, “At Ecobank, we are committed to investing in the future of our youth and shaping a brighter future for Nigeria.

InnovateX aligns perfectly with this vision. We provide digital solutions, products, and services designed for convenience and accessibility, enabling young people to manage their finances anytime, anywhere, especially via mobile, their primary channel of engagement.”

Following weeks of applications, bootcamps, and a public voting phase, 18 finalists pitched their ventures with clarity and purpose. In the creative category, ISIO, Leadforge, and Zulana emerged as the top winners, receiving N5m, N2m, and N1m, respectively. In the STEM category, Afrimetrics, Neighbourly, and Feedipay claimed the top three prizes of N5m, N2m, and N1m each. Additionally, Stipple Care and Semita AI each received N500,000, while the remaining 10 contestants were awarded N300,000 each.

Chief Executive Officer of Heave Ventures, Abiodun Lawal, also spoke at the event, highlighting the initiative’s role in empowering youth with resources, platforms, and belief in their potential.

Lawal said, “This is not simply a competition. It’s a celebration of vision, courage, and the vibrant potential of Nigeria’s youth. Congratulations to all finalists and winners; your passion lit up the stage and, with purposeful action, will help shape the future.”

Participants praised Ecobank and Heave Ventures, urging other corporate organisations to replicate such impactful programmes. Micah Erumaka, CEO of Afrimetrics and first-place winner in the STEM category, expressed gratitude, saying, “Ecobank has truly shown it cares about Nigerian youth. This fund will enable me to expand my business and create jobs.”