Wema Bank has unveiled the University of Uyo as the first pitch centre for Hackaholics 7.0, its flagship platform for nurturing technology-driven innovation among young Nigerians.

The three-day event is scheduled to hold from July 15 to 17, 2026, marking the start of the Hackaholics 7.0 national tour, which will cover 10 pitch centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

According to the bank, each pitch centre will provide a platform for innovators within and around the host location to present their ideas for a chance to emerge as winners in their respective centres. Successful participants will advance to the Hackaholics 7.0 Grand Finale, where they will compete for a share of the N150 million prize pool.

The seventh edition of the innovation programme is themed “Powering Possibilities” and introduces three competition tracks: the Startup Pitch Competition, the Hackathon and the newly introduced Social Impact Track.

Participants are invited to submit solutions across seven focus areas: Financial Inclusion, Healthcare, Digital Transformation, Education, Sustainability, Social Impact and the Future of Work.

Wema Bank said Hackaholics 7.0 is free and open to Nigerian youth, startups, founders, developers and innovators with creative, technology-driven solutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges.

Interested applicants are required to visit the Hackaholics portal, click on “Apply Now,” select their preferred competition track and complete the application process.

Hackaholics is Wema Bank’s flagship innovation initiative designed to identify, support and empower emerging entrepreneurs and technology innovators through mentorship, funding opportunities and industry exposure.

The 2026 edition builds on previous editions with an expanded prize pool of N150 million and a new Social Impact Track to encourage innovations that deliver measurable social value.