Wema Bank Hackaholics 7.0 — How Nigerian Innovators Can Win Millions in Grant Prizes (Applications Open Now)

Wema Bank just launched the biggest edition of Hackaholics yet — and applications are open right now.

Hackaholics 7.0, themed "Powering Possibilities," is the seventh edition of Wema Bank's annual open innovation challenge. It is completely free to enter, open to all Nigerian youth with tech-driven ideas, and comes with millions of naira in grant prizes for winners. Since 2019, the programme has supported over 10,000 startups, engaged 50,000 participants and awarded grants to dozens of innovators across six editions.

If you have an idea, a startup, or a solution to a real problem, this is one of the most credible platforms in Nigeria to bring it to life.

What is Hackaholics?

Hackaholics is Wema Bank's flagship youth and innovation programme — designed to give young Nigerians with creative, tech-driven ideas a platform to build, pitch and scale their solutions. It has been running annually since 2019 and has grown into one of the largest youth innovation programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Each year, participants go through a structured journey from application through regional pitch centres to a grand finale where winners receive cash grants, mentorship and the opportunity to have their solutions developed in partnership with Wema Bank.

Hackaholics 7.0 is the biggest edition yet  introducing three tracks, seven focus verticals and a national tour covering 10 pitch centres across all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Three Tracks  Pick the One That Fits You

This is new for 7.0. You no longer just choose between a hackathon or pitch competition. There are now three distinct tracks:

Track 1 — Startup Pitch Competition

For entrepreneurs who already have a business or startup and want to pitch it to Wema Bank executives, investors and industry leaders. If you have a working product and some traction, this is your track.

Track 2 — Hackathon

For developers, designers and tech builders who want to build a solution from scratch within a set timeframe. Teams collaborate intensively to create working prototypes addressing real challenges. You don't need a business to enter this track — just technical skills and a great idea.

Track 3 — Social Impact Track (NEW)

Brand new for 7.0. This track is specifically for innovators building solutions that address social challenges, community development, inclusion, poverty, access to basic services and similar problems. If your idea is more about impact than commercial returns, this is your pathway.

Apply under whichever track fits your current situation, but only apply to one.

Seven Verticals ; What Problems They Want Solved

Your solution must address at least one of these seven focus areas:

• Financial Inclusion  making banking and financial services accessible to more Nigerians
• Healthcare improving access to quality health services and outcomes
• Digital Transformation; using technology to modernise processes and systems
• Education; innovating how Nigerians learn and access knowledge
• Sustainability; addressing environmental and climate challenges
• Social Impact; solutions that directly improve the lives of underserved communities
• Future of Work; preparing Nigerians for the changing nature of employment and economic opportunity

The strongest applications connect clearly to one or two of these verticals and show how their solution moves the needle on a real challenge within that space.

What You Get From Winning

Millions of naira in grant prizes;  awarded live at the grand finale

Mentorship; from banking executives, fintech leaders and industry experts

Career and networking opportunities;  connect directly with Wema Bank leadership and investors

The chance to have your solution developed; in partnership with Wema Bank

Access to the Hackaholics Accelerator; top performers from previous editions have gone on to join Wema Bank's accelerator programme which provides ongoing mentorship, technical support, investor access and strategic partnerships

How the Competition Works — 4 Stages

Stage 1 — Application Phase

Apply online at hackaholics.wemabank.com under your chosen track. Submit your idea, team details and any relevant supporting materials. This is happening right now — applications are open.

Stage 2 — Regional Preliminaries

Shortlisted participants compete at one of 10 pitch centres across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. This means wherever you are in Nigeria ; North, South, East or West , there is a pitch centre near you. You pitch your solution locally and the best from each region advance.

Stage 3 — Final Day Demo

The top teams from regional pitch centres present their solutions to a panel of judges including Wema Bank executives and tech leaders.

Stage 4 — Grand Finale

The ultimate winners are crowned and receive their cash grant prizes, mentorship packages and development partnerships.

How to Apply

Go to 👉 hackaholics.wemabank.com

Select your track — Startup Pitch Competition, Hackathon or Social Impact. Fill in your details and your team members if applicable (maximum 3 per team). Submit your application and await your email confirmation.

Participation is completely free. No application fee. No hidden costs.

No specific application deadline has been announced yet — apply immediately and follow @wemabank and @alat_ng on social media for deadline updates.

Insider Tips for a Strong Application

Choose your track honestly entering the Startup Pitch Competition when you only have an idea and no product will hurt you. If you are at idea stage, the Hackathon or Social Impact tracks are more appropriate

Connect clearly to a vertical your application must show how your solution addresses one of the seven focus areas. Vague connections to "innovation generally" will not score well

Show what already exists  if you have any version of your solution working, show it. A demo, a prototype, screenshots, even user feedback. Evidence of execution separates strong applications from weak ones

Team composition matters for the Hackathon especially, a team with complementary skills — technical, design and business — , performs significantly better than a team of only developers or only business people

Apply early 50,000 participants have engaged with Hackaholics over six editions. This year will be bigger. Early applicants get more careful review attention than last-minute submissions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying to multiple tracks — pick one and focus on it
• Describing your idea in vague terms without showing how it specifically works
• Forming a team with no technical skills for the Hackathon track — you need people who can actually build
• Not following up on your email after applying — all communication comes by email
• Waiting for the deadline before applying — apply now while the programme is fresh and reviewers have more bandwidth

Also Read:

- iDICE Founders Lab Cohort 2 — How to Apply for ₦10 Million Funding for Your Tech Startup 👉 https://naijafundingopportunities.blogspot.com/2026/06/idice-founders-lab-cohort-2-how-to.html

- Why Nigerian Grant Applications Get Rejected — How to Win Grants in Nigeria in 2026 👉 https://naijafundingopportunities.blogspot.com/2026/06/why-nigerian-grant-applications-get.html

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hackaholics 7.0 free to enter?

Yes. Participation is completely free. There is no application fee or any cost involved.

Do I need a registered business to apply?

No. You can apply with just an idea, especially under the Hackathon or Social Impact tracks. The Startup Pitch Competition is better suited for those with existing businesses or products.

Can I apply alone or do I need a team?

You can apply as an individual or as a team of up to 3 people. Teams with complementary skills tend to perform better especially in the Hackathon track.

What is the application deadline?

Apply immediately and follow Wema Bank's social media channels for deadline updates.

Where are the regional pitch centres?

Wema Bank will announce the 10 pitch centre locations across all six geopolitical zones. Check hackaholics.wemabank.com for updates.

What is the Social Impact Track?

A brand new track introduced in 7.0 for innovators focused on social challenges rather than purely commercial solutions. If your idea addresses community development, inclusion or access to basic services, this track is designed for you.

Can I apply if I participated in previous editions?

Yes. Previous participants are welcome to apply again.

📌 Share this with every Nigerian innovator, developer, entrepreneur or creative thinker you know. Applications are open now and this is free.

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