The Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 is now open, and a lot is at stake. This year, ambitious startups and tech leaders from all over Africa will be given a total of ₦140 million in cash awards.
Read more about the Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 below
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Quick Summary of Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 – ₦140 Million Up for Grabs
| Company/Host | Zenith Bank , Beyond Limits |
| Category | Grants |
| Eligible countries | Nigeria |
| Title | Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0 |
| Benefits | -Compete for ₦140 million in total cash prizes |
| Location | Nigeria |
| End Date: | 31 October 2025 |
About Zenith Bank Plc
Zenith Bank Plc was founded in May 1990 and began operating as a commercial bank in July of the same year. The Bank was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on October 21, 2004, following a highly successful Initial Public Offering (IPO), and it became a public limited company on June 17, 2004.
Zenith Bank Plc is the largest bank in Nigeria by tier-1 capital and has a shareholder base of over half a million.
In 2013, the Bank listed $850 million worth of its shares on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) at a price of $6.80 each).
About Beyond Limits
Beyond Limits is an organisation that is committed to the advancement of corporate growth, leadership transformation, and innovation.
The company is dedicated to three primary objectives: fostering entrepreneurship development by providing individuals with essential skills, facilitating the growth of the tech ecosystem by connecting innovators with opportunities, and promoting leadership and digital transformation to assist organisations in embracing change, adopting technology, and remaining competitive in the ever-evolving global marketplace.
Its mission is to inspire excellence and empower communities.
About the Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0
Zenith Bank’s flagship initiative, Zecathon (the Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition / Hackathon), is designed to foster and assist early-stage technology ventures. The competition, which is conducted in collaboration with Beyond Limits, aims to provide founders with funding, mentorship, incubation, and exposure.
In the past, Zecathon has served as an indispensable platform for African businesses, facilitating their expansion, acquisition of capital, and recognition amid an overcrowded technology sector.
Who Can Apply & Key Criteria
- Applicants must satisfy the following criteria in order to qualify for Zecathon 5.0:
- Be early-stage enterprises with a registered business entity.
- Participate in one or more of the permitted sectors, including fintech, healthtech, agritech, AI, and cybersecurity.
- Prove the feasibility of a prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) by demonstrating some traction or proof of concept.
- Present a business model that is both scalable and has the potential to make a significant impact.
How the Prizes Will Be Shared
Although comprehensive prize breakdowns may be disclosed closer to the event, preliminary data indicates that:
- First Place: ₦30 million
- 2nd to 5th Places: Each of the four finalists will receive ₦10 million.
Please be advised that the aforementioned sums constitute ₦70 million of the top 5. The remaining ₦140 million pool is expected to be allocated as financial awards to other finalists or participants, in addition to supplementary support such as incubation, mentorship, and potentially equity or grants.
Important Dates and Application
- The deadline for applications is October 31, 2025.
- Startups will be invited to present after the application phase, and the top finalists will proceed to the incubation/development phases.
- Application Submission: The official Zecathon / Beyond Limits portal is the platform through which applications are submitted.
What is new in Edition 5.0?
Zecathon 5.0 is particularly compelling due to the following:
- Increased Prize Pool: This edition provides one of the most generous funding opportunities for businesses in Nigeria and Africa, with a total of ₦140 million in cash.
- Expanded Focus Areas: The competition now places a significant emphasis on technology disciplines, including fintech, agritech, healthtech, embedded finance, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging tech fields.
- Two-Phase Structure: Initially, the concepts of the shortlisted teams will be presented. The business models and execution strategies of the top finalists will be refined during an incubation/acceleration phase.
- Possibilities for Africans
- Wider Impact, Greater Reach: The competition is open to early-stage enterprises throughout Africa, providing promising ventures outside of Nigeria with the opportunity to participate and expand.
Why Join Zecathon 5.0?
- Compete for ₦140 million in total cash prizes
- Showcase your talent and ideas on a continental stage
- Access mentorship, resources, and growth opportunities
- Collaborate with Africa’s brightest innovators
- Turn your ideas into real-world impact
How to Apply for Zenith Bank Zecathon 5.0
Interested candidates are to click on the application button below to apply online
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