| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 5th April 2025 |
| Prize Amount | US$220,000 + Cascador Prize for Impact (US$45,000) |
| Additional Benefits | 5-week all-expenses-paid training in Silicon Valley |
| Eligibility | Nigerian entrepreneurs with impact-driven startups in healthcare, education, or agriculture |
| Key Partner | Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) |
| Startup Stage | Minimum viable product (MVP) required, at least six months in operation |
| Application Portal | NSIA Prize for Innovation Official Website |
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 NSIA Prize for Innovation (NPI). This prestigious initiative seeks to empower Nigerian entrepreneurs and drive transformative change in key sectors: healthcare, education, and agriculture. With a funding pool of US$220,000, an impact prize of US$45,000, and an exclusive 5-week training program in Silicon Valley, this program is a game-changer for innovative startups looking to scale.
The NSIA Prize for Innovation 3.0 is proudly partnering with the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) to support groundbreaking startups that drive social and economic impact in Nigeria and beyond.
What You Stand to Gain
- A cash prize of US$220,000 distributed among the top winners.
- Cascador Prize for Impact worth US$45,000.
- An exclusive five-week all-expenses-paid training program in Silicon Valley, USA.
- A chance to pitch to international angel investors and secure additional funding.
- Extensive networking opportunities with industry experts and venture capitalists.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Founder Nationality: At least one of the startup founders must be a Nigerian citizen.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
- Startup Focus: Must be running an impact-driven startup in healthcare, education, or agriculture.
- Business Operation: The startup must have been operational for at least six months within Nigeria.
- Investment Readiness: The startup must be actively seeking to raise a seed round.
- Product Development: A minimum viable product (MVP) must be available.
- Program Commitment: Founders must commit to a 10-week fast-track accelerator program.
- Application Limit: Only one application per applicant is allowed; multiple submissions will lead to disqualification.
- Business Registration: If selected among the top 10 finalists, the startup must be registered in Nigeria.
Application Process & Timeline
Program Stages
- Pre-Selection Stage
- Accelerator Stage
- Top 150 finalists will undergo virtual training.
- Top 25 finalists will attend an in-person bootcamp.
- A mini demo day will be conducted to shortlist the top 10 finalists.
- Demo Day
- The top 10 startups will pitch their businesses to a panel of judges.
- Judges will rank the startups from 1st to 10th place.
- The event will feature local and international investors and industry experts.
- Post-Demo Day
- The top 10 finalists will participate in a 5-week intensive training in Silicon Valley.
- Founders will have one-on-one sessions with global investors and mentors.
- Opportunity to secure additional funding and expand market reach.
Key Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for Applications | 5th March 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 5th April 2025 |
| Virtual Training | TBD |
| Physical Bootcamp | TBD |
| Mini Demo Day | TBD |
| Final Demo Day | TBD |
| Silicon Valley Training | TBD |
How to Apply
Interested entrepreneurs should submit their applications via the NSIA Prize for Innovation Official Webpage before the 5th April 2025 deadline. Ensure that all required details are accurately filled in to avoid disqualification.
Final Thoughts
The NSIA Prize for Innovation presents a golden opportunity for Nigerian startups looking to make a tangible impact in their industries. With access to funding, training, mentorship, and global exposure, this initiative is a stepping stone to success for innovators aiming to transform Nigeria’s economic landscape.
If you believe your startup has what it takes to drive change, don’t hesitate—apply today!
For additional scholarship opportunities, explore:
- DAAD Scholarship 2025: Fully Funded Masters and PhD Opportunities in Germany
- New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot Program
- British Council Scholarship
- Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship: Fully Funded Undergraduate Support
- United Nations Millennium Fellowship 2025 For Students Worldwide
- Radboud University Scholarship (Fully Funded)
