State Backed Innovation Programme Equips Young Innovators with the Skills, Support and Opportunities to Build Scalable Businesses
BusinessDay Nigeria | 7th December 2025
The Enugu Campus Hackathon 2025 is redefining innovation in Enugu State by creating a structured pathway that takes young innovators from the classroom to the marketplace.
Implemented by the Enugu MSME & StartUp Agency in collaboration with the Office of Digital Economy, the programme is designed to transform innovative ideas into viable products and sustainable businesses through mentorship, incubation, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships.
Under the leadership of Hon. Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Director-General of the Enugu MSME & StartUp Agency and Special Adviser to the Governor on the Digital Economy, the initiative is driving a long-term vision of positioning Enugu as one of Nigeria’s leading technology and innovation ecosystems.
Where Policy Meets Innovation
The Enugu Campus Hackathon forms a key component of the state’s Digital Economy Transformation Plan, which prioritises investments in broadband infrastructure, digital capacity, talent development, and innovation support facilities.
One of the flagship projects supporting this vision is the Enugu Tech and Innovation Hub, which provides an enabling environment for entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators to develop technology-driven solutions capable of addressing real-world challenges.
Outstanding teams from the hackathon progress into the Enugu Startup Accelerator, where they receive product development support, business coaching, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities to help transform promising ideas into scalable enterprises.
A Collaborative Innovation Ecosystem
The success of the Enugu Campus Hackathon is strengthened through partnerships with leading innovation organisations, including Genesys Tech Hub, The Garage, and Capitis Global Ventures.
Together, these partners provide technical expertise, business development support, mentorship, and industry connections that help participants refine their products and prepare for commercial success.
The programme brings together talented students from:
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),
Coal City University.
In addition, the initiative includes a dedicated non-campus track that enables talented young innovators outside participating institutions to benefit from the programme.
Governor Peter Mbah’s Innovation Agenda
Governor Peter Mbah has identified innovation, technology, and digital entrepreneurship as key drivers of Enugu State’s economic transformation.
The Enugu Campus Hackathon serves as one of the administration’s flagship innovation programmes, empowering young people to develop practical solutions with the potential to compete in national and global markets while contributing to sustainable economic growth.
From Boot Camp to Business Growth
Following the initial selection process, participating teams advance to an intensive innovation boot camp where they receive mentorship, technical guidance, product validation support, and business development training.
While every participating team benefits from the learning experience, only the top-performing teams from each institution proceed to the Grand Finale to compete for prizes, incubation opportunities, and long-term entrepreneurial support.
The programme also features an “Others” Track, allowing independent innovators to participate in the boot camp, access mentorship, and strengthen their ideas, even if they are not attached to a participating institution.
Solving Real-World Challenges Through Technology
The projects emerging from the hackathon reflect the creativity and problem-solving abilities of Enugu’s young innovators.
Participants are developing solutions across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, financial technology, digital commerce, artificial intelligence, logistics, and business productivity. These innovations focus on improving access to essential services, increasing efficiency, and creating practical solutions to everyday challenges.
Building the Future, One Startup at a Time
The Enugu Campus Hackathon is more than an annual competition—it is a long-term investment in the state’s innovation economy.
By combining government support, private-sector partnerships, mentorship, incubation, and access to finance, the programme provides young entrepreneurs with the tools needed to transform ideas into successful businesses.
As Enugu continues to strengthen its digital economy ecosystem, initiatives like the Campus Hackathon are laying the foundation for a future driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
“Every entrepreneur in Enugu — from the grassroots nano-business to the high-growth startup — deserves the tools, finance, and skills to grow.”
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