MarkHack, Africa’s foremost marketing technology and innovation hackathon, has spotlighted a new generation of startups poised to reshape Nigeria’s digital and marketing communications landscape.
Organised by the Eko Innovation Centre in collaboration with GDM Group and Brand Communicator, the fourth edition of the event was held recently in Lagos, drawing attention to emerging technologies, entrepreneurial talent, and innovative martech solutions.
In a note to The PUNCH on Tuesday, the organisers stated that this year’s edition of MarkHack was a dual celebration, combining the hackathon with the inaugural Nigeria MarTech Awards, an initiative designed to recognise and honour marketing industry leaders and technology innovators for their outstanding contributions to the sector.
Seven shortlisted startup teams, Storipod, Next Vibe, Jarvis, Allies, 360Kart, First Response AI, and JUMPQ, pitched their solutions to a panel of expert judges. The panel was led by Chief Executive Officer of Entod Marketing, Iquo Ukoh.
Following the presentations and final deliberations, Team Blue Sands Stem Lab emerged as the overall winner, receiving a cash prize of N2m.
Team Next Vibe came in as first runner-up, earning N1.5m, while Team Jarvis secured the second runner-up position with a prize of N1m. Consolation laptops were also awarded to the remaining teams in recognition of their efforts and innovations.
Convener of MarkHack and Founder of Eko Innovation Centre, Victor Afolabi, expressed his satisfaction with the growth and evolution of the platform.
He said, “It is a feeling of satisfaction that I see the MarkHack platform continue to evolve, continue to expand, continue to define what it intends to do, and continue to drive that innovation as expected as we continue to give back.”
He noted that this year recorded the highest number of brand sponsors and participants, with 150 startups applying to participate in the hackathon.
“So excited about what we’re doing, satisfied by the turnout of the people, the speakers, the sponsors. We had the highest amount of brand sponsors this year, and we’ve had the highest amount of support this year,” he added.
In his remarks at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Olatubosun Alake, underlined the ingenuity and determination of Nigerian youth, praising their ability to thrive despite economic and infrastructural challenges.
He said, “When you look at our environment and you look at just the sheer determination, the ingenuity of young people, that has given us the global recognition – young people doing amazing things in an environment that is tough but also can be very, very ingenious.”
He further noted that Lagos continues to provide the platform for innovation to flourish, despite intense competition and resource limitations.
Co-organiser and Chief Executive Officer of Awesome Communications, Joshua Ajayi, said the hackathon marked the culmination of months of hard work, problem-solving, and solution design.
He said, “We mark the culmination of months of hard work, deep thinking, and passionate execution as our finalists prepare to make their last and most defining pitches before a distinguished panel of jurors.”
He noted that the competing teams tackled urgent marketing challenges using tools such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, extended reality, and data-driven insights.
“They have designed solutions that integrate blockchain, AI, data, XR, and emerging technologies with marketing intent,” he explained.
“It is also a night of recognition and celebration, as we host for the very first time the MarkHack Awards, honouring visionary applications of marketing technology across sectors and disciplines.”
According to the organisers, MarkHack 4.0 reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a new generation of African innovators building solutions at the intersection of technology and marketing.
