Ecobank Nigeria has rewarded 20 finalist teams with N22 million at the grand finale of its InnovateX Hackathon held in Lagos.
Team Vhorde emerged overall winner of the competition, receiving N5 million, while E-Nation and Konvoy came first and second runners-up.
E-Nation received N4 million, while Konvoy won N3.5 million. Kredo and Aselabs emerged third and fourth runners-up respectively.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Kola Adeleke, Executive Director, Commercial and Consumer Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said that the hackathon was designed to help young Nigerians transform ideas into practical solutions.
Adeleke said that the initiative sought to nurture ideas, develop entrepreneurial capabilities and connect promising innovators with resources, mentorship and professional networks.
He said that the diversity of submissions in financial technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, digital services, education and enterprise solutions reflected the range of innovation among young Nigerians.
According to him, young people are already contributing to innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
According to the bank, the competition was organised under its Blaze by Ecobank youth initiative, in partnership with Heave Ventures and Verve.
It explained that all 20 finalist teams received cash prizes, with the team placed 20th receiving N500,000.
The competition attracted 168 teams comprising 672 students from 90 universities across Nigeria.
Twenty teams from Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja advanced to the final stage after a competitive selection process.
They presented innovative solutions addressing challenges across various sectors.
GIK/APA