GTCO Squad Hackathon 2026: Win up to ₦10 Million in cash prizes as a student innovator

GTCO opens ₦10m Squad Hackathon for Nigerian students

The GTCO Squad Hackathon Program 3.0, officially branded as “Take on Squad Hackathon 3.0,” was launched on April 2, 2026, by GTCO and HabariPay. The initiative is designed to empower undergraduates to build intelligent financial systems that solve real-world problems.

Unlike many generic student competitions, this hackathon is focused specifically on financial technology innovation. Participants are expected to develop solutions that align with the future of digital payments, automation, risk intelligence, and smart financial services.

The program gives students a chance to move beyond theory and classroom learning by building real products that can potentially make an impact in Nigeria’s rapidly growing fintech ecosystem.

GTCO Squad Hackathon 2026 Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the GTCO Squad Hackathon 2026, applicants must meet a set of clearly defined criteria.

First, participants must be currently enrolled in a recognized university in Nigeria. The competition is specifically targeted at undergraduate students, making it ideal for those in 100 to final year, as long as they can provide valid proof of enrollment.

Applicants must also apply as part of a team of 2 to 4 members. Importantly, GTCO allows multidisciplinary teams, meaning students from different academic backgrounds can collaborate on a single solution. However, at least one member of the team must have a technical background, such as engineering, computer science, or data science.

Every participant is also required to present a valid student ID during the application process.

GTCO Squad Hackathon 3.0 Prize Money and Benefits

One of the biggest attractions of the GTCO Squad Hackathon Program is its ₦10 million prize pool, which is set to be shared among the top three winning teams.

The first-place team will receive ₦5,000,000, while the second-place team will get ₦3,000,000. The third-place team will walk away with ₦2,000,000. According to the published announcement, all rewards will be issued in the form of GTBank utility cards.

Beyond the cash prizes, winners will also benefit from media exposure, which can be extremely valuable for students looking to build visibility for their projects, strengthen their portfolios, or attract future internship and startup opportunities.

The program also mentions mentorship, making it more than just a competition. For many participants, the real value could lie in the access to guidance, exposure, and the chance to showcase innovative ideas to a broader audience.

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The Theme and Focus Areas of GTCO Squad Hackathon 2026

The official theme for this year’s edition is “Smart Systems: The Intelligent Economy.” This reflects GTCO’s push toward AI-powered financial solutions and smarter digital experiences.

Participants are expected to build practical and scalable solutions around four major focus areas.

The first is AI Automation, where students can create systems that streamline financial operations and improve efficiency. The second is Predictive AI Tools, which focuses on solutions that can detect risk, improve security, and support smarter financial decision-making.

The third area is Squad API Integration, encouraging teams to use Squad’s infrastructure to develop innovative fintech applications. The fourth is Financial Innovation, which invites creative solutions that improve the way individuals and communities interact with money.

These focus areas make the hackathon especially relevant for students interested in AI, machine learning, backend systems, APIs, product design, and financial inclusion.

How to Apply for GTCO Squad Hackathon 2026

Interested and qualified candidates can apply through the official application portal linked in the competition announcement.

To apply, students are expected to click the application button, complete the form with their personal details, and include the details of their team members. Since the program requires team participation, applicants should ensure their group is complete and aligned before submitting.

Notably, the deadline has not been specified in the available announcement. That means interested applicants should apply as early as possible to avoid missing any future update or unannounced closing date.

Why GTCO Squad Hackathon 3.0 Matters for Nigerian Students

At a time when Nigeria’s tech ecosystem continues to expand, the GTCO Squad Hackathon 2026 offers students a rare chance to build solutions that are both practical and high-impact.

For undergraduates, competitions like this can open doors to career opportunities, mentorship, industry recognition, and startup potential. It is also a strong addition to any CV, especially for students pursuing careers in fintech, software engineering, AI, data science, cybersecurity, product management, or entrepreneurship.

With a major corporate sponsor like GTCO, a relevant fintech partner in HabariPay, and a generous ₦10 million prize pool, this hackathon stands out as one of the most compelling student innovation programs currently open in Nigeria.

Students who have been waiting for an opportunity to test their ideas in a competitive, real-world environment may find this to be the perfect launchpad.

FAQ

1. What is GTCO Squad Hackathon 3.0?

GTCO Squad Hackathon 3.0 is a 2026 student innovation competition organized by GTCO and HabariPay for Nigerian undergraduates. It challenges students to build AI-powered and fintech-focused solutions that solve real financial problems.

2. Who can apply for GTCO Squad Hackathon 2026?

The competition is open to undergraduate students currently enrolled in recognized Nigerian universities. Applicants must participate in teams of 2 to 4 members.

3. Is GTCO Squad Hackathon only for Nigerian students?

Yes. Based on the published details, the program is specifically for students in Nigerian universities.

4. What are the eligibility requirements for GTCO Squad Hackathon 3.0?

To qualify, applicants must:

Be currently enrolled in a recognized university in Nigeria
Apply in a team of 2 to 4 members
Include at least one technically skilled member
Present a valid student ID

5. What is the prize for GTCO Squad Hackathon 2026?

The total prize pool is ₦10 million, broken down as:

1st Prize: ₦5,000,000
2nd Prize: ₦3,000,000
3rd Prize: ₦2,000,000

6. Are there benefits beyond the cash prize?

Yes. Winners also receive media exposure, and the program mentions mentorship, which can help with visibility, networking, and future opportunities.

7. What is the theme of GTCO Squad Hackathon 2026?

The official theme is “Smart Systems: The Intelligent Economy.”

8. What are the focus areas for GTCO Squad Hackathon 3.0?

The hackathon focuses on:

AI Automation
Predictive AI Tools
Squad API Integration
Financial Innovation

9. How many people can be in a GTCO Squad Hackathon team?

Teams must consist of 2 to 4 members.

10. Do all team members need a technical background?

No. However, at least one member must have a technical background such as engineering, computer science, or data science.

11. Is GTCO Squad Hackathon free to apply?

There is no application fee mentioned in the available announcement, so it appears to be free to apply.

12. What is the deadline for GTCO Squad Hackathon 2026?

The announcement states that the deadline is not specified. Applicants should submit as early as possible.

13. When was GTCO Squad Hackathon 3.0 launched?

The 2026 edition was officially launched on April 2, 2026.

14. How do I apply for GTCO Squad Hackathon 2026?

Visit the official application portal, fill in your details and your team’s information, then submit your application before the portal closes.

15. Why should Nigerian students apply for GTCO Squad Hackathon 3.0?

Students should apply because it offers:

A chance to win ₦10 million
Exposure to fintech and AI innovation
Opportunities for mentorship and media visibility
A strong project for CVs, portfolios, and startup ideas