Zenith Bank has officially launched the fourth edition of its annual startup competition, Zecathon 4.0, with an impressive ₦77.5 million in cash prizes available. Designed to accelerate the growth of innovative Nigerian startups, the competition will award cash prizes and offer an incubation program to finalists from diverse sectors, including FMCG, insurance, education, retail and e-commerce, cybersecurity, agriculture, health, payments, lending, and transportation.
Zecathon 4.0 – Beyond Limits Joins as Key Implementation Partner
In a powerful collaboration, Zenith Bank has partnered with Beyond Limits, a leader in innovation and business growth, to serve as the official implementation partner for Zecathon 4.0. Nigerian startup founders can apply for free HERE.
Championing Nigerian Startups for Economic Growth
“Zecathon is more than just a competition; it’s a platform for creating lasting impact,” said Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc. Emphasising Zenith Bank’s dedication to empowering Nigerian startups, she added, “We’re not just looking for the next big tech idea; we’re looking for solutions that will improve lives and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.”
Prize Structure and Incubation Program Details
The competition offers cash rewards to the top ten finalists, with the top three startups receiving ₦25 million, ₦20 million, and ₦15 million respectively. The remaining seven finalists will each receive ₦2.5 million. Additionally, all ten finalists will participate in a six-week incubation program designed to provide mentorship and resources to scale their ventures.
The Growth of Africa’s Tech Ecosystem
Highlighting the potential impact of Zecathon 4.0 on Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, Fikun Aluko, head of entrepreneurship programs at Beyond Limits, remarked, “The African tech ecosystem is booming, with startup funding exceeding $4.85 billion in 2022 alone. Zecathon 4.0 embodies this growth and is an opportunity to fuel the momentum further.”
How to Apply and Stay Updated
Nigerian startups are encouraged to seize this opportunity and apply for Zecathon 4.0 by November 15th via https://beyondlimits.global/zenithbankpitchcompetition/. For the latest updates, follow Zenith Bank (@zenithbankplc) and Beyond Limits (@the_beyondlimits) on social media.