The 11th Edition of the Stanbic National Schools Championship (NSC) is officially “powering up” for its most inclusive year yet. To ensure that every innovative idea has the chance to be heard, Stanbic Bank Uganda has extended the recruitment and application deadline to March 29, 2026. The ten-day extension from the initial March 19 cutoff is a strategic response to the high level of engagement from schools eager to participate in this year’s theme: “Powering Innovation for Job Creation.”
For over a decade, the NSC has served as Uganda’s premier youth innovation program. It offers a unique blend of mentorship, practical business training, and high-stakes competition that prepares students for the challenges of the modern economy. The extension has been particularly welcomed by school administrators, giving them an opportunity to better organize their student teams and ensure that their submissions reflect the high standard of creativity that the NSC is known for.
The incentive to participate has never been stronger. Beyond the competitive thrill, the rewards are life-changing. Last year’s winners recently returned from a prestigious trip to South Africa, a journey that provided them with international exposure and a new perspective on global business. This year, with a prize pool of UGX 100 million and the chance for national recognition, the competition is expected to be more intense than ever.
Both private and public schools, alongside vocational institutes, are urged to take advantage of this extra time. The NSC is a platform where a simple idea born in a classroom can turn into a viable enterprise that creates jobs for others. To be part of this transformative journey, schools must submit their expressions of interest via the bank’s official online channels. The future is being built today, one student innovation at a time.
