Hurry! Applications are now open for the highly anticipated Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 Startup Pitch Competition, a time-sensitive innovation challenge designed to fast-track the future of African startups. This landmark event by Zenith Bank, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, is back and bigger than ever with a whopping ₦140 million in total cash prizes on the line.
The Zecathon 5.0 is not just another tech competition. It is a continental call to action for developers, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are building solutions across FinTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, ClimateTech, E-commerce, and beyond. The event is split into two high-impact phases, a Startup Pitch Competition and a 6-week Incubation Program offering unprecedented visibility, expert mentorship, and critical business resources. The focus areas for this edition include Generative AI, Agentic AI, and emerging technologies that are rapidly transforming the African innovation landscape. This is your last chance in 2025 to pitch your ideas to elite investors, win big, and accelerate your growth.
Phase 1 Startup Pitch Competition: Showcase your startup’s innovation and compete for cash prizes.
Phase 2 Incubation Program: Top 5 finalists move into an intensive incubation program to refine their business models and strategies for scalable growth over six weeks, beginning shortly after the pitch competition.
Strategic Resources: Intensive training in financial management, product development, branding, and market positioning for business growth.
Networking and Exposure: Engage with corporate leaders and potential partners through exclusive events and pitch sessions.
Growth Opportunities: Collaborate with industry leaders for technical support, co-development, and market entry support to drive scalability.
Benefits of the Program
Compete for ₦140 million in total cash prizes
Showcase your talent and ideas on a continental stage
Access mentorship, resources, and growth opportunities
Collaborate with Africa’s brightest innovators
urn your ideas into real-world impact
Name of Organizer
Zenith Bank
Requirements/ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 Startup Pitch Competition, applicants must meet the following criteria: 3. Startup Status: You must be a registered startup operating in Africa. 5. Innovation Sector: Your solution must fall under one of the following: FinTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, ClimateTech, E-commerce, or other emerging tech-driven industries. 7. Technology Focus: Preference will be given to startups utilizing Generative AI, Agentic AI, or related emerging technologies. 9. Scalability: Your business should demonstrate strong potential for scalability across the African continent. 11. Team Composition: Applicants must have a minimum of 2 team members, including at least one technical founder. 13. Stage of Development: Startups should be at the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) stage or beyond, with a functional prototype or product. 15. Pitch Readiness: Teams must be ready to pitch at the Zenith Bank Tech Fair and, if selected, enter the 6-week incubation program. 17. Commitment: Founders must commit to the incubation process, mentorship sessions, and all program activities. 19. Age Limit: Founders must be between 18 – 45 years of age. 21. Residency: At least one co-founder must be a resident of an African country.
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