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.
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
Offered 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.
