Competitive Tech Startups Prepared for Zenith Bank's Yearly Innovation Contest in Nigeria

Zenith Bank Announces Fourth Edition of Zecathon Startup Competition

Zenith Bank has announced the launch of the fourth edition of its startup competition and incubation program, Zecathon. The competition, scheduled to start on November 15, 2024, and culminate in physical pitch competitions on November 21, 2024, aims to provide opportunities for innovative early-stage Nigerian startups across sectors like embedded finance, cybersecurity, fintech, healthtech, agritech, and e-commerce.

The Zecathon program requires participants to demonstrate scalable business models and clear growth potential. Successful startups must be registered Nigerian businesses with viable products or Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) showing market traction.

As part of the program, selected startups will undergo a six-week incubation period. During this time, they will receive mentorship, exposure, and strategic partnerships, all essential for scaling operations. The program also offers access to a total prize money of ₦77.5 million. The top three winners will receive ₦25 million, ₦20 million, and ₦15 million respectively, while seven additional finalists will each secure ₦2.5 million.

Zenith Bank, Nigeria's largest bank by tier-1 capital, was established in 1990 and was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2013 with a valuation of $850 million. The bank's shareholder base exceeds half a million.

Beyond Limits is the implementation partner for Zecathon, bringing expertise in entrepreneurship development, tech ecosystem growth, and digital transformation. The partnership aims to strengthen Nigeria's technology sector through private sector involvement, reflecting broader efforts in this direction.

Last year's competition showcased emerging talent in Nigeria's tech sector. Sync won the competition with ₦20 million. Interested startups can submit applications through the official Zecathon website.

The Zecathon initiative is more than just a competition; it's an opportunity for innovative startups to secure funding while developing sustainable business practices. It's a step towards fostering a vibrant and dynamic tech ecosystem in Nigeria. So, if you're a Nigerian startup with a promising idea, don't miss out on this opportunity. Apply for Zecathon 4.0 today!

The finalist announcements will be made on November 18, 2024. Good luck to all participants!

Competitive Tech Startups Prepared for Zenith Bank's Yearly Innovation Contest in Nigeria