The NiYA Startup Pitch 2.0, launched by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in collaboration with the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), is a national initiative designed to empower young Nigerian entrepreneurs.
The programme supports youth-led startups with funding, mentorship, enterprise development, and national visibility. It aims to nurture innovative ideas that can solve real problems while helping founders transform early concepts into scalable businesses.
The second edition offers up to ₦100,000,000 in grant funding, alongside technical and entrepreneurial support.
When is the Application Deadline:
Not Specified.
Which Fields Are Eligible?
Startups in any sector may apply as long as they are youth-founded and innovation-driven.
(No sector restrictions stated.)
Type:
- Competition
- Training
- Startup Support Programme
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be 18–35 years old
- Currently reside in Nigeria
- Be part of a startup with at least two co-founders (no solo entries)
- Have completed a NiYA community profile
- Present a NiYA course completion certificate
- Submit a pitch deck
- Be a youth founder building a scalable business
How Are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Completion of all NiYA prerequisites
- Strength and clarity of pitch deck
- Innovation, feasibility, and potential for national impact
- Founder/team capacity and readiness
- Ability to address key market or social challenges
- Participation in pitch rounds and evaluations
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Nigeria only
Where Will the Programme Take Place?
- Nigeria (Online + physical pitch stages depending on NiYA schedule)
How Many Awards?
Not specified.
(However, up to ₦100 million total grant funding will be shared among winners.)
What is the Benefit of the Programme?
Participants receive:
- Up to ₦100,000,000 in grant funding
- Mentorship from leading founders, VCs, and industry experts
- Enterprise development and business structuring support
- National visibility across media and government platforms
- Exposure to investors, partners, and collaborators
- Access to the broader NiYA youth innovation ecosystem
How Long Will the Programme Last?
Duration varies depending on the pitch cycle, mentorship phases, and enterprise support.
(Exact duration not stated.)
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should apply using the appropriate link:
- New Members: Complete NiYA profile + course → Submit application
- Existing Members: Log in and apply immediately
👉 Visit the Programme Webpage for Details