Zenith Bank Awards ₦190 Million to African Innovators at Sixth Tech Fair

Zenith Bank Plc has awarded ₦190 million to 13 winners at the sixth edition of its technology event, Zenith Bank Tech Fair 2026: Future Forward 6.0, demonstrating its commitment to supporting innovation and strengthening Africa’s digital economy.

Held virtually on November 5, 2026, the event was themed “AI: Embrace or Extinct.” It brought together technology experts, entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers and other participants to discuss the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on businesses, economies and society.

The ₦190 million prize pool is the largest in the history of the Tech Fair. According to Premium Times, more than 3,000 submissions were received across three competitions: the Hackathon, Startup Pitch Competition and the newly introduced Future Innovators Challenge.

In the Hackathon category, Team Solo emerged as the overall winner, receiving ₦35 million. 10x Brains came second with ₦20 million, while Rumour Hunters received ₦15 million for third place. Òmìnira and Team Avera each received ₦10 million.

In the Startup Pitch Competition, Cutstruct Technology Limited won the top prize of ₦35 million with its LiveVend platform, which connects construction developers and contractors with suppliers. Sproutly received ₦20 million for its technology-based school payment solution, while PharmaRun won ₦15 million for improving access to authentic medicines. AUI BRAND and ProDevs each received ₦10 million.

The bank also introduced the Future Innovators Challenge to encourage secondary school students to develop creative, technology-driven solutions. Caleb British International School won ₦5 million, Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, received ₦3 million, and Regina Pacis International School won ₦2 million.

Beyond the financial rewards, the winners will benefit from a six-week mentorship and incubation programme designed to help them improve their products, strengthen their business models and prepare their solutions for wider adoption.

The initiative reflects the growing role of banks in supporting technology businesses. As digital services, artificial intelligence and financial technology continue to transform industries, banks can help innovators access funding, expertise and opportunities to develop solutions to everyday challenges.

Technology investments can also create employment, encourage entrepreneurship and improve services in sectors such as education, healthcare, construction and finance. By supporting startups and young innovators, financial institutions can contribute to economic growth while encouraging the development of new products and services.

Zenith Bank’s founder, Jim Ovia, has consistently emphasised the importance of empowering young people through technology. The bank’s leadership also highlighted the need for African innovators to embrace artificial intelligence and develop solutions that can compete internationally.

The Tech Fair therefore represents more than a competition for cash prizes. It provides a platform for emerging businesses and young innovators to showcase their ideas, gain recognition and receive support to turn promising concepts into practical solutions.

With its record ₦190 million prize pool and expanded opportunities for secondary school students, Zenith Bank’s Future Forward 6.0 initiative highlights the importance of funding, mentorship and collaboration in building a stronger African technology ecosystem.