GTCO Squad Hackathon Program 2026 for Nigerians (Up to ₦10 Million in Prizes) for Young Nigerian students

Organized by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) in collaboration with its fintech arm, HabariPay, the hackathon is designed to empower developers, designers, and entrepreneurs to create impactful digital solutions.

About the Program

The GTCO Squad Hackathon (also known as “Take on Squad Hackathon”) is a national innovation challenge that brings together talented individuals across Nigeria to solve real-world problems using technology.

Now in its third edition, the 2026 hackathon is themed “Smart Systems: The Intelligent Economy,” focusing on building intelligent, data-driven solutions that improve how people and businesses interact with financial systems and digital platforms.

Participants will work in teams to develop scalable solutions across sectors such as fintech, healthcare, commerce, and digital inclusion.

Prizes and Benefits

Participants will compete for a total prize pool of ₦10 million, distributed as follows:

• ₦5,000,000 for 1st place
• ₦3,000,000 for 2nd place
• ₦2,000,000 for 3rd place

Additional benefits include:

• National exposure and recognition
• Opportunity to showcase solutions to industry leaders
• Hands-on experience using Squad APIs
• Potential career and collaboration opportunities

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the GTCO Squad Hackathon, applicants must:

• Be university students in Nigeria
• Form teams of 2 to 4 members
• Have at least one technical member (e.g., developer, engineer, data scientist)
• Possess a valid student ID
• Be part of only one team

Cross-disciplinary teams are strongly encouraged.

What You Will Build

Participants are expected to develop innovative, AI-driven and fintech-focused solutions, including:

• AI-powered financial automation tools
• Predictive systems for transaction security
• Scalable applications using Squad APIs
• Digital solutions that improve financial access and inclusion

Application Deadline

While the exact deadline may not be publicly specified, applications are currently open and early registration is strongly recommended due to the competitive nature of the program.

Method of Application Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to successfully apply:

Step 1: Visit the Official Application Portal

Start your application here:
Apply here: https://squadco.com/hackathon/

Step 2: Review Hackathon Details

Carefully read through the theme, requirements, and expectations.

Step 3: Form Your Team

Create a team of 2–4 members with the required skill set.

Step 4: Register Online

Fill out the registration form with accurate personal and team details.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Review all information before final submission.

Step 6: Prepare for the Hackathon

If selected, begin preparing your idea and technical approach ahead of the competition.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY 

Why You Should Apply

The GTCO Squad Hackathon is more than just a competition—it is a platform to showcase innovation, build real-world solutions, and gain visibility in Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem.