By Onu Okorie

Ecobank Nigeria has called on young Nigerians, particularly students, innovators, entrepreneurs, and creatives aged 16 to 25, to take advantage of ongoing registration for InnovateX 2026, the bank’s flagship youth innovation challenge offering ₦20 million in prizes, mentorship, business development support, and access to industry experts.
Powered by Blaze by Ecobank in partnership with Verve, InnovateX 2026 is designed to identify and support the next generation of innovators and creators developing solutions across inclusive finance and the creative economy.
Beyond the financial reward, participants stand to benefit from an intensive innovation journey featuring hybrid bootcamps, expert-led workshops, mentorship sessions, networking opportunities, and a grand finale pitch competition where finalists will showcase their ideas before a panel of industry leaders and investors.
The competition is open to young Nigerians working on innovative projects across technology, engineering, science, product design, content creation, digital media, entertainment, fashion, and other creative disciplines.
Encouraging young Nigerians to register, Victor Yalokwu, Head, Products & Analytics, Ecobank Nigeria, said Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of young talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial energy, adding that InnovateX provides a platform for young people to transform bold ideas into impactful solutions and sustainable businesses. He urged students, innovators, tech enthusiasts, creators, and entrepreneurs across the country to seize the opportunity and take their ambitions to the next level.
Yalokwu added that the future belongs to young people willing to innovate, solve problems, and create value, noting that InnovateX is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, mentorship, exposure, and resources they need to succeed in today’s competitive, technology-driven world.
He further explained that the initiative is not just about rewarding great ideas, but also about building confidence, nurturing talent, and connecting young people to opportunities that can help them grow personally and professionally. According to him, whether a participant is developing a tech solution, building a creative brand, or working on an innovation that can improve lives, InnovateX offers a platform to showcase potential and accelerate their journey toward success.
As part of its broader commitment to youth empowerment, Ecobank said it continues to provide innovative banking solutions through the Blaze Account, a youth-focused offering that gives customers access to exclusive opportunities, a uniquely designed debit card, free monthly transfers, and participation in initiatives such as InnovateX.
Young Nigerians interested in participating are encouraged to submit their applications through www.innovatex.africa before the registration deadline.