Ecobank Nigeria, in partnership with Heave Ventures, has introduced InnovateX, a new
competition aimed at empowering young individuals in the creative and STEM (science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics) sectors. Announced on Tuesday, the initiative
targets Nigerians aged 16 to 25 and offers a total prize pool of ₦20 million to be shared
among the top 10 finalists.
The competition is designed to support young creatives and tech talents by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to turn their skills into sustainable businesses. Participants from the creative industry such as designers, artists, and content creators will be guided on how to commercialize their work and understand the business dynamics of the creative economy.
Similarly, the STEM track is tailored to developers, engineers, and tech enthusiasts, with a
strong focus on building pitching and presentation skills to help them attract potential
investors and scale their innovations.
During the official launch event held in Lagos, Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director and Group
Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, highlighted the bank’s commitment to nurturing young talent
and promoting innovation as a path to economic growth. He emphasized that InnovateX is
more than a competition it is a platform for discovering, mentoring, and investing in the next generation of Nigerian innovators and entrepreneurs.
By collaborating with Heave Ventures, Ecobank aims to create lasting impact in the youth
ecosystem, bridging the gap between creativity, technology, and business acumen for
sustainable development.
By providing young creators and innovators with practical tools and real opportunities,
Ecobank aims to empower them to turn their passions into impactful and scalable ventures.
InnovateX goes beyond being a traditional competition it is a comprehensive development
platform designed to nurture talent and promote growth. The initiative features a series of
hybrid boot camps, expert-led workshops on pitching and business development, hands-on. mentorship from industry leaders, and access to international exposure.
Participants will gain valuable skills that help them refine their ideas, improve their business
strategies, and prepare for real-world entrepreneurial challenges. The programme will
culminate in a high-profile grand finale, where shortlisted candidates will pitch their projects to a panel of judges and potential investors.
The top 10 finalists will not only share a prize pool of ₦20 million but also gain visibility,
recognition, and ongoing support from Ecobank and its partners.
Through InnovateX, Ecobank Nigeria reinforces its commitment to supporting youth
innovation and entrepreneurship across both the creative and STEM sectors, with the goal of driving sustainable development and economic empowerment across the country.
