Zenith Bank awards ₦190 million to African innovators at sixth tech fair

Zenith Bank Plc recently distributed ₦190 million in prize money to 13 winners across three innovation competitions held at the sixth annual Zenith Bank Tech Fair, held virtually on November 5, 2026. The theme for this year's event was "AI: Embrace or Extinct." The prize pool, the largest in the event's history, reflects Zenith Bank's increasing investment in technology and innovation.

The winner of the Hackathon competition, Team Solo, received ₦35 million, while Startup Pitch Competition champion Cutstruct Technology Limited took home ₦35 million. The Future Innovators Challenge, aimed at encouraging technology-driven creativity in secondary school students, produced three winners, with Caleb British International School receiving ₦5 million as the top prize.

Winners of the competitions were granted a six-week mentorship and incubation program to help refine their solutions and scale their innovations. Zenith Bank's Founder, Jim Ovia, emphasized his vision of empowering young innovators through technology, hoping to create individuals who will make a global impact. The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, highlighted the importance of embracing Artificial Intelligence and adapting to the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended Zenith Bank's contribution to technological advancement and reaffirmed the city's commitment to supporting the technology ecosystem.