Applications are now open for the second cohort of the Student Venture Capital Grant (Next Moonshot Initiative), a high-impact funding programme designed to support 50 outstanding student-led ventures across Nigeria.
The programme provides up to ₦50 million in equity-free capital, intensive boot camp training, and direct access to top-tier mentorship to help student innovators scale their ventures and bring their solutions to market.
Backed by the Federal Government’s Ministry of Education alongside corporate ecosystem partners including Co-Creation Hub, Future Africa, GetEquity, and LifeBank, the initiative targets student entrepreneurs building solutions across STEM disciplines.
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Programme Support
Selected student founders will receive structured support aimed at strengthening their startups and scaling their operations.
Equity-Free Funding: Successful applicants will receive up to ₦50 million in non-dilutive grant capital from the Federal Government to develop and scale their businesses.
Expert Mentorship: Winning ventures will undergo a comprehensive six-month mentorship programme guided by corporate and entrepreneurial leaders from partners like Lafarge, Cellulant, and Powerhouse.
Venture Boot Camp: Finalists will attend a rigorous three-day boot camp to refine their business models and prepare for final presentations.
Focus Sectors
The programme is open to student-led startups operating in STEM-based sectors, specifically focused on:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
Eligibility
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Founders must be currently enrolled in a Nigerian tertiary institution.
- The startup must be a student-led venture.
- The business idea or solution must be fundamentally STEM-based.
- The venture should demonstrate clear potential for real-world viability and scale.
Programme Timeline
Campus Roadshow: September 6 – September 30, 2026
Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
Evaluation & Final Pitch
Throughout the selection process, selected founders will refine and present their startups to a curated evaluation committee of experts and ecosystem stakeholders.
How to Apply
Interested student innovators across Nigeria building STEM-based startups should apply here before the September 30, 2026 deadline.