Zenith Bank 2024 Zecathon 4.0 Startup Pitch Competition for Early Stage Nigerian Startups.

Applications are now open for the 2024 Zenith Bank Zecathon 4.0 Startup Pitch Competition. The Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition is a key highlight of the Zenith Bank Tech Fair, with the 2024 conference focusing on Embedded Finance, Cybersecurity & Growth Imperatives – The Impact of AI. This initiative is designed to discover and accelerate the growth of innovative Nigerian startups across sectors such as Fintech, AgriTech, HealthTech, E-commerce, and more.

Through a competitive pitch platform and an incubation phase, early-stage startups will gain valuable exposure, expert guidance, and essential resources to scale and make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s digital economy. Zenith Bank is committed to empowering and nurturing Nigerian tech startups, offering innovative solutions, mentorship, and opportunities to drive transformative change across Africa’s business landscape.

Program Structure

Phase 1: Startup Pitch Competition

Showcase your startup’s innovation and compete for cash prizes

Phase 2: Incubation Program

Top 10 finalists move into an intensive incubation program to refine their business models and strategies for scalable growth over six weeks, beginning shortly after the pitch competition.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition & Incubation Program, applicants must:

● Be early-stage Nigerian startups with a registered business entity

● Operate in one or more of the listed focus sectors

● Demonstrate a viable product or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with initial market traction

● Present a scalable business model with clear growth potential

Prizes

1st Place: ₦25 million

2nd Place: ₦20 million

3rd Place: ₦15 million

Other Finalists: ₦2.5 million each

Program Benefits

Cash Prizes: Top three startups receive ₦25 million, ₦20 million, and ₦15 million respectively; all other finalists receive ₦2.5 million.

Investor Access and Mentorship: Connect with investors, seasoned entrepreneurs, and experts, opening doors for follow-on funding and strategic partnerships.

Strategic Resources: Intensive training in financial management, product development, branding, and market positioning for business growth.

Networking and Exposure: Engage with corporate leaders and potential partners through exclusive events and pitch sessions.

Growth Opportunities: Collaborate with industry leaders for technical support, co-development, and market entry support to drive scalability.

Program Timeline

Application: 8th – 15th November, 2024

Announcement of Finalists: 18th November, 2024

Pitch Competition: 21st November, 2024

Incubation Program: Dec. 2024 – Feb. 2025

Method of Application

For More Information,

Visit the Official Webpage

Application Deadline: November 15, 2024.