Enugu boosts digital economy with Campus Hackathon

Enugu, the capital of Enugu State, is drawing global attention for innovation through the Enugu Campus Hackathon, a state-backed programme advancing digital entrepreneurship and youth-led innovation. The initiative is implemented by the Enugu SME Center/Office of Digital Economy (Enugu MSME & Startup Agency) and is positioning the state as a growing hub for technology-driven economic […]

Enugu, the capital of Enugu State, is drawing global attention for innovation through the Enugu Campus Hackathon, a state-backed programme advancing digital entrepreneurship and youth-led innovation.

The initiative is implemented by the Enugu SME Center/Office of Digital Economy (Enugu MSME & Startup Agency) and is positioning the state as a growing hub for technology-driven economic growth.

Across the city, student teams gather around laptops and whiteboards, immersed in intense problem-solving sessions typical of global tech sprints. What sets the Enugu Campus Hackathon apart is what follows the excitement. The programme creates a structured pathway from idea to prototype to company, with the state actively supporting innovators beyond the event stage.

Led by Arinze Chilo-Offiah, the Enugu SME Center/Office of Digital Economy is building a system that moves young people from concepts to market-ready products. The hackathon is integrated into the state’s Digital Economy Transformation Plan, which prioritises broadband expansion, data infrastructure, talent development, and innovation spaces such as the Enugu Tech and Innovation Hub.

High-performing teams from the hackathon advance into the Enugu Startup Accelerator, where they receive product development support, mentorship, and access to capital.

Strategic partners including Genesys Tech Hub, The Garage, and Capitis Global Ventures contribute expertise and resources, while talent continues to emerge from institutions such as the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC); Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT); Institute of Management and Technology (IMT); Godfrey Okoye University (GOU); and Coal City University.

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has identified innovation and digital entrepreneurship as central pillars of Enugu State’s development agenda. The Campus Hackathon stands as one of the flagship initiatives delivering that vision by enabling young people to build solutions with real-world relevance and global potential.

 

 

 

Following the hackathon, selected teams move into a bootcamp phase, with representation from every participating campus. UNN and GOU recorded a higher volume of strong submissions this cycle, earning additional slots while maintaining equal access to mentorship, tools, and feedback. At the Grand Finale, only the top three teams from each campus compete for prizes and long-term support, while the “Others” track provides learning opportunities for non-campus innovators without competing at the finale.

 

From UNN, the finalist teams competing at the Grand Finale are EulaIQ, FLOF Mart, and The Mavericks — FurniFit AR. UNN teams participating in the bootcamp learning track include Mindnest; ChainMove; Team Flickmart; The Unlimited 1s; Zeuus; and MarTech. Other participants include Startrz and 3D Creation, Oneway, HealthDocX, Julitech, Techgators and Creator Tools, AgricTechhub, and Paradox — Nora.

 

Finalist teams from IMT and Coal City University are Teeketing, TechHighScore, and BuildNation — VentroPay. UNEC finalists include Anbu Gynaecare, StokOps, and Tell Person. ESUT finalists are Growdex, AgroTrack, and High Flyer — Zaddy Express. At GOU, the finalists are Gencoach, Outreach, and Netrobase — Kralis, while FutureNow and Team Tech Titans — ZEMPAA are participating in the bootcamp learning track. The non-campus “Others” bootcamp cohort includes Linia Finance, SpitchLabs, and Inova.

 

Many of the projects tackle pressing, lived challenges—ranging from digital health platforms connecting patients, doctors, and pharmacies, to AI-powered learning tools for students and faster cross-border payment solutions for small businesses. Across campuses, the focus remains consistent: inclusion, access, and measurable impact.

 

With each cohort, the Enugu Campus Hackathon is seeding a sustainable innovation ecosystem. Beyond funding, the state government is providing the infrastructure, policy support, and long-term pathways that allow ideas to mature into viable enterprises.

 

As the programme evolves, it continues to demonstrate how thoughtful policy can drive innovation—starting in classrooms, strengthening through bootcamps, and ultimately powering the broader economy.