Enugu Hackathon Awards $10,000 to Innovative Startups

The inaugural Enugu hackathon awarded a total of US$10,000 in investment grants to innovative startups. The first prize of US$5,000 went to Growdex, an AI-powered advertising platform that enables creators to publish and optimize ads across multiple channels.

Zaddi, a logistics platform providing reliable last-mile delivery solutions, secured the second prize of US$3,500. Linia, a fintech platform offering data-driven credit tools for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), was awarded the third prize of US$2,500.

Additionally, the DeepTech category winner, Ambu Gynacar, a health tech startup, developed biodegradable sanitary pads made from banana fiber to combat menstrual poverty and reduce plastic waste. Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah described the hackathon as part of his administration's bold innovation drive to transition the state towards a consumption-driven economy.

Prof. Chidieber Onyia, representing the governor, emphasized the need for a shift from a product-led economy to one focused on intellectual infrastructure and problem-solving education.