Zenith Bank Awards ₦140 Million to African Innovators at the 2025 Tech Fair
A total cash prize of ₦140 million has been awarded to ten (10) African innovators to scale their transformative solutions after a keenly contested hackathon and pitch session at the Fifth Edition of the Zenith Tech Fair, themed “Future Forward 5.0: Tech for Success – Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate”, which held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The 2025 edition of the Zenith Tech Fair featured an expanded, dual-competition structure that included a high-stakes Hackathon for product development and a Startup Pitch Competition for early-stage ventures, and drew participation from thousands of developers, founders, and entrepreneurs across the continent. The prize money was shared among ten finalists who emerged from the over 2,000 contestants that took part in the Zecathon.
Innovation Shines as Zenith Bank Crowns Hackathon and Startup Pitch Winners
In the hotly contested final, two major winners emerged, each receiving the top prize of ₦30 million. The winner of the Hackathon, Trust Loop, clinched first place for its innovative solution that delivers seamless digital KYC and liveness verification. Simultaneously, the winner of the Startup Pitch Competition, Cubbes Technologies Limited, secured the top spot for its revolutionary AI-powered EdTech platform that enhances learning and career readiness.
The remaining eight (8) finalists across both categories were equally recognised, each receiving ₦10 million in non-dilutive funding. They include Venille Ltd, Sowota, FLOW, InvoPay, Zenith Intelliscore, The Very Hacked Men, Konfam and Zerax. All ten finalists will also be entitled to a six-week mentorship and incubation programme designed to help them grow and scale effectively, and this will run from December 2025 to February 2026.
The Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, OON, in her welcome address, thanked the Founder & Chairman, Dr Jim Ovia, CFR, for the visionary foresight that led to the creation of the Zenith Tech Fair.
Zenith Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Technology, Youth Empowerment and Digital Growth
Commenting on the Zecathon, she said, “Our theme this year, ‘Tech for Success: Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate’, is very timely. To appreciate its urgency, it helps to reflect on the speed of human progress. According to the Harvard Business Review, it took humanity millions of years to master fire, yet only 66 years to move from the first powered flight to landing on the moon…”
In his Goodwill Message, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, reaffirmed the Bank’s dedication to nurturing innovation and talent development across Africa.
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Whilst delivering his goodwill message, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, called for increased technological empowerment initiatives to provide youths with adequate opportunities needed to thrive in the digital future.
Global Tech Leaders, Masterclasses and High-Level Panels Elevate Zenith Bank’s 2025 Tech Fair
Hailed as a resounding success by participants, the Fair showcased cutting-edge demonstrations on Generative AI, Agentic AI, and Cloud Computing. Keynotes came from Sitoyo Lopokoiyit (M-PESA Africa), Jonas Kjellberg (Co-Creator, Skype) and Dr. Shivagami Gugan (AWS).
Another key highlight was the exclusive masterclasses delivered by McKinsey & Company, Huawei, Check Point, and Microsoft—covering cybersecurity, cloud, disruptive innovation and more.
The event’s dual-panel sessions were hosted by CNN Anchor Zain Asher and featured top industry leaders including Adaora Nwodo, Aisha Tofa, David Kpakima, Dr Stanley Jacob, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Gary Fowler, Bradwin Roper, and Mrs. Omoyemen A. JideSamuel.
Zenith Bank remains committed to building Africa’s innovation ecosystem—providing capital, mentorship and opportunities for global scalability.
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