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.
Focus Sectors
This competition seeks to elevate startups innovating in these critical sectors:
FMCG
Digital transformation in consumer goods
Insurance
Accessible digital insurance solution
Education
Enhancing learning accessibility
Retail & Ecommerce
Driving digital evolution in retail
Payments & Lending
Secure and scalable financial solutions
Cybersecurity
Advanced data protection and security
Agriculture
Modernized agricultural processes
Health
Improving healthcare access and delivery
Transportation & Logistics
Optimizing mobility solutions
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.
Prizes for Competition Winners
1st Place: ₦25 million
2nd Place: ₦20 million
3rd Place: ₦15 million
Other Finalists: ₦2.5 million each
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
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.
