The Zecathon 6.0 Startup Pitch Competition invites growth-stage African startups to showcase their businesses and compete for funding, mentorship, and investor connections.
However, Zenith Bank runs the competition with implementation partner Beyond Limits. The pitch competition forms part of Zecathon 6.0, which also includes separate hackathon and student innovation tracks. This article covers the startup pitch track.
Zecathon 6.0 Startup Pitch Competition benefits
The competition helps promising startups gain visibility and support for their next stage of growth. In addition, the top five startups will share a ₦90 million prize pool:
- First place: ₦50 million.
- Four runners-up: ₦10 million each.
Selected startups can also access:
- Pitch experience on a continental platform.
- Mentorship from business and industry experts.
- Investor connections and possible follow-on funding.
- Strategic partnerships and market-access opportunities.
- Leadership development and learning activities.
- A two-week training and inspiration programme for the top 20 semifinalists.
- An incubation programme scheduled to begin in January 2027.
Also, the final pitch day is scheduled for 28 October 2026.
For another startup-focused challenge, see the VivaTech Startup Challenges 2026 on OpportunityLab.
Zecathon 6.0 Startup Pitch Competition eligibility
To qualify, a startup must:
- Be an African growth-stage business.
- Have a registered business entity.
- Operate in at least one focus sector.
- Offer a market-ready product or service.
- Show evidence of traction, such as customer adoption, revenue, or market demand.
- Have a scalable business model and a clear growth record.
- Show potential to reach new markets or customer groups.
Furthermore, the competition’s sectors include FMCG, insurance, education, retail and e-commerce, payments and lending, cybersecurity, agriculture, healthcare, and transportation and logistics.
Zecathon 6.0 Startup Pitch Competition timeline
Key dates for the pitch track include:
- Applications close: 13 October 2026.
- Semifinalists announced: 19 October 2026.
- Semifinal pitch competition: 26 October 2026.
- Final pitch day: 28 October 2026.
- Incubation programme begins: January 2027.
Apply as soon as possible, since the application window is short.
Zecathon 6.0 Startup Pitch Competition application
The Google Form you shared asks for the founder’s full name, email, phone number, residential address, date of birth, nationality, LinkedIn profile, and a biography of up to 100 words. It is the first page of a two-page form, so applicants should complete the remaining sections as well.
Prepare concise and accurate information about yourself and your startup. Then submit through the Zecathon 6.0 Business Pitch application form.
The programme page also links to the startup pitch application portal. Check that the form you use is for the startup pitch track, rather than the hackathon or Future Innovators Challenge.
