Builders
Universities Represented
Shortlisted Teams
Finalist Team
ABOUT THE hACKTHON
REIMAGINING POSSIBILITIY
Every builder needs a place where ambition meets opportunity. Innovate X is Blaze's flagship innovation challenge, backed by Ecobank, built for young Nigerians aged 16 to 25 who see problems as invitations, not obstacles. This year, Innovate X brings together the country's sharpest young minds, students, thinkerers, dreamers, and doers, from tertiary institutions nationwide, to build real solutions for real challenges in banking, technology, business, and society. With mentorship from industry leaders, hands-on bootcamps, and funding to match the ambition, Innovate X isn't just where ideas get pitched, it is where ideas come to life.
STEP 1 (Find Your People)
Form a team of 4 (four) members
STEP 2 (Equip Your Self)
Open and maintain an active Blaze account, your financial companion for the journey ahead
STEP 3 (Choose Your Path)
Select your competition track.
STEP 4 (Step Through)
Complete the online InnovateX registration form.
STEP 5 (Bring The Idea to Life)
Submit your project idea within the application window
STEP 6 (Wait for the Call)
Await screening and shortlisting.
HOW TO APPLY
YOUR STORY STARTS WITH ONE STEP
TRACK
Choose Your Challenge
Every Builder Chooses a Path
Program Journey
Every great idea starts with a single step. Here's your journey to the grand finale.
Applications
Open to tertiary students nationwide between ages 16 – 25 with valid school ID.
Regional Selection
Pitch your idea at a regional activation or present virtually. Regional activations will be held at:
Lagos: YABATECH
South East/South South: University of Port Harcourt
FCT/North: University of Abuja
Financial Support
1st Place - ₦5,000,000
2nd Place - ₦4,000,000
3rd Place - ₦3,500,000
4th Place - ₦2,500,000
5th Place - ₦1,000,000
POST EVENT BENEFITS
Free Debit Cards
Exclusive Innovate X Ambassords Kits
Access to Mentorship and Industry Experts
NYSC Placement Opportunties
Visibility to Ecobank Innovation Team
Internship Opportunity with Ecobank
tHE GROUP
WHO SHOULD JOIN
This Call Isn't for Everyone. It's for You.
Next-Gen Builders
Young entrepreneurs 16 - 30 juggling studies and startups.
Nigerian Innovators
Nigerian Citizen from any part of the country.
University Student
University students from any state in Nigeria.
Ethical Visionaries
Future leaders who wants to build humanity's future in deep tech
ADEBANKE Oladejo
Head, Technology, Ecobank Nigeria.
BABAWALE John
Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Paystack MFB.
Emelia Sunday-Edet
Products and Quality Engineer
Augustine Ralph
Tech storyteller and enthusiast
FAQs
GOT QUESTIONS?
We've got all the answers ready for you
Do I need to already have an Ecobank account to apply?
Can I apply if I'm not in any of the listed universities?
How many people are on a team, and can I apply alone?
What happens if my team isn't shortlisted for the Bootcamp?
How and when do winning teams receive their prize money?