Young tech innovators in Enugu State have clinched major investment grants at the maiden edition of the state-backed Enugu Campus Hackathon, as Governor Peter Mbah intensified his push to reposition the state as a productivity-led, innovation-driven economy.
The grand finale, held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, brought together finalists from tertiary institutions across the state, marking a significant milestone in the implementation of the Enugu State Digital Transformation Strategy.
The Campus Hackathon was conceived as an innovation platform to consolidate Enugu’s emergence as a hub for youth-led digital enterprise and venture creation.
An elated Mbah, who witnessed the finale, described the initiative as a bold step toward moving the state from a consumption-driven structure to one anchored on productivity, enterprise and technology.
Speaking at the event, the governor described young people as the heartbeat of a knowledge-driven and digital economy, stressing that the hackathon was designed to identify and accelerate high-potential tech talents across tertiary institutions.
Represented by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Mbah said the hackathon reflects his administration’s deliberate strategy to build a modern, innovation-driven economy anchored on enterprise, technology and private-sector growth.
“Our guiding philosophy is a clear shift from consumption to productivity,” he stated.
“Enugu State must move from a consumption-driven structure to a productivity-led economy powered by enterprise, technology and a vibrant private sector. Today, we are not merely providing a platform for competition.
“We are architecting systems and institutional frameworks designed to unlock the vast potential of our youth. Our mission is to build a modern economy capable of competing on the global stage.”
He described the initiative as part of a broader investment in what he termed “intellectual infrastructure.”
“We are redesigning our educational system to produce problem-solvers rather than mere certificate holders. By modernising our curriculum and enabling technology-driven learning, we are preparing our young people for the demands of the future global workplace. This is what we call intellectual infrastructure,” he said.
Winners Emerge Across Categories
In the main category of the hackathon, delivered in collaboration with Genesys Tech Hub, The Garage, and Capitis Global Ventures, Growdex—an AI-powered advertising automation platform that enables creators and businesses to create, publish and optimise ads across multiple channels from a single dashboard—won the star prize of $5,000 in investment grant.
Zaddy Express, a tech-enabled logistics and on-demand delivery platform offering fast and reliable last-mile solutions for individuals and businesses, secured second place and received a $3,500 investment grant.
Linia Finance, a fintech platform providing accessible, data-driven credit and financial tools to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and underserved individuals, placed third and won a $2,500 investment grant.
In the DeepTech category powered by the African DeepTech Foundation, Ambu Gynacare—a health-tech startup developing biodegradable sanitary pads made from banana fibres to combat menstrual poverty and reduce plastic waste—emerged winner, taking home $2,500 in investment grant.
Six-Month Incubation Support
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Economy and MSMEs, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, said the winning teams would, in addition to their cash prizes, undergo a six-month post-hackathon incubation programme with Genesys Tech Hub valued at over $10,000.
The programme, he explained, would provide structured mentorship, product refinement, investor readiness and scaling support.
Chilo-Offiah, who also serves as Director-General of the Enugu State SME Centre, said the decision to focus on universities was deliberate.
“This is an incubation programme that goes to the heart of the startup ecosystem, which is our universities. That is where innovation starts,” he said.
He added that the top 10 teams that competed at the finale emerged after campus-level rounds and a 10-day intensive boot camp.
With over $11,000 in grants awarded and extended incubation support provided, the Enugu Campus Hackathon signals a significant step in the state’s drive to nurture home-grown innovation and build a globally competitive digital economy.
