Wema Bank has launched the 2026 edition of its Hackaholics Accelerator Programme, admitting 10 startups into the new cohort as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s growing technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The initiative marks a shift from a competition-based model to a more hands-on business development programme designed to help startups move from early traction to sustainable growth.
The selected startups for the 2026 cohort are Farmslate, Ploy, Stocmed, Feest (Chao), Varsityscape, MamaAlert, Sane, Cyclex, Kieva, and Loocomo. They were chosen from the top-performing finalists of the Hackaholics 6.0 challenge.
According to the bank, the accelerator is designed to provide founders with the structure, mentorship, and operational support needed to refine their business models, strengthen their foundations, and scale their impact.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said the Hackaholics platform has grown into more than a competition over the past six years.
“Over the past six years, Hackaholics has grown into more than a competition; it has become a platform that reveals the depth of innovation and entrepreneurial potential that exists across Nigeria,” he said.
Oseni added that the second edition of the accelerator reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting founders beyond the ideation stage and into the business-building process.
“With this second edition of Hackaholics Accelerator, we are taking the next step by supporting founders beyond the ideation stage and into the process of building sustainable businesses,” he said.
The programme is expected to bridge the gap between early-stage traction and scalable success through intensive training and strategic guidance from Wema Bank executives and external industry experts.
The Chief Transformation Officer of Wema Bank, Babatunde Mumuni, said the selected startups already have products in the market, early traction, and strong growth potential.
“The startups selected for this cohort already have strong foundations, with products already in the market, early traction, and clear growth potential,” he said.
Mumuni explained that the accelerator would help the startups deepen market traction, refine their models, and prepare for long-term scale through mentorship, guidance, and access to the right networks.
Since its launch in 2019, Hackaholics has attracted over 15,000 applicants and supported the development of hundreds of digital solutions across Nigeria.
Wema Bank said the initiative has also led to the disbursement of more than $400,000 in funding to young innovators nationwide, with past participants such as Feegor, Myitura, and Bunce continuing to grow in their respective sectors.
The accelerator is supported by the bank’s wider innovation infrastructure, including IDEAx Labs, which provides partnerships, infrastructure, and access to capital for emerging startups.