Zenith Bank has announced the winners of its 2025 Zecathon, awarding a total prize pool of N140 million to innovators in Nigeria’s technology sector. This initiative is part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to fostering digital entrepreneurship and attracted hundreds of participants across various categories, including fintech, agritech, healthtech, and edtech. The top prize of N50 million was awarded to a startup focused on blockchain-enabled supply chain solutions, which was recognized for its potential to enhance transparency and efficiency in Nigerian commerce.
The second prize of N30 million was awarded to a healthtech platform that offers AI-driven diagnostics for rural healthcare providers. Meanwhile, the third prize of N20 million went to an agritech venture utilizing IoT sensors to optimize irrigation and crop yields. In addition to these top prizes, ten other finalists received cash prizes and mentorship packages, with amounts ranging from N2 million to N5 million, to help scale their operations.
Zenith Bank’s Chief Innovation Officer emphasized that the Zecathon is designed to identify and support high-impact ventures capable of addressing pressing socio-economic challenges in Africa. The 2025 edition saw a remarkable 40% increase in applications compared to the previous year, reflecting a growing interest in tech-driven solutions across Nigeria. Participants underwent a rigorous selection process that included pitch presentations to a panel of industry experts, investors, and government representatives.
Beyond financial rewards, the winners will gain access to Zenith Bank’s digital infrastructure, business development resources, and networking opportunities with potential partners. The bank also plans to host follow-up workshops to assist finalists in refining their business models and expanding their market reach. The Zecathon aligns with Nigeria’s broader push to harness technology for economic diversification and job creation. By investing in early-stage startups, Zenith Bank aims to accelerate innovation that can drive sustainable growth across the continent.
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