Ecobank Nigeria, in partnership with Verve, has launched InnovateX 2026, a youth-focused innovation challenge designed to support young Nigerians with innovative ideas and emerging businesses.

The initiative comes with ₦20 million in prizes, alongside mentorship and business development support, and is targeted at Nigerians aged 16 to 25. Students, innovators, entrepreneurs and creatives developing solutions in inclusive finance and the creative economy are particularly encouraged to participate.

InnovateX 2026 is designed to help young entrepreneurs take their ideas beyond the concept stage by giving them access to practical business knowledge, industry experts, mentors and networking opportunities.

Participants will undergo an intensive innovation journey that includes hybrid bootcamps, expert-led workshops, mentorship sessions and networking opportunities. The programme will conclude with a grand finale pitch competition before a panel of industry leaders and investors.

The challenge is open to young Nigerians developing projects in technology, engineering, science, product design, content creation, digital media, entertainment, fashion and other creative disciplines.

For young micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and aspiring entrepreneurs, the programme offers an opportunity to improve their innovative concepts while developing the business skills required to build commercially viable ventures.

Speaking on the initiative, Head of Products & Analytics at Ecobank Nigeria, Victor Yalokwu, said Nigeria has significant young talent and entrepreneurial energy that can be channelled into solutions capable of creating sustainable businesses.

He said InnovateX was created to give young people a platform to turn their ideas into impactful solutions while gaining the knowledge, mentorship, exposure and resources needed to compete in a technology-driven economy.

Yalokwu encouraged students, innovators, technology enthusiasts, creators and entrepreneurs across Nigeria to take part in the challenge and use the opportunity to advance their ambitions.

He noted that the programme can support participants developing technology solutions, creative brands and innovations designed to address real-world problems.

Beyond the competition, Ecobank said it continues to provide youth-focused financial services through its Blaze Account. The account gives young customers access to exclusive opportunities, debit cards, zero-cost monthly transfers and developmental initiatives such as InnovateX.

For young entrepreneurs, however, access to finance represents only one aspect of building a sustainable business. Exposure to experienced mentors, business development support, industry networks and potential investors can also help founders refine their ideas, understand their markets and prepare for growth.

Through InnovateX 2026, Ecobank and Verve are positioning the initiative as a platform for developing the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs while supporting innovation across the country’s technology and creative sectors.

Source: msmeafricaonline