….Targets Nigeria’s Next Startup Giants
The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has officially opened applications for the South East Pitch Competition 2026, a flagship initiative designed to identify and scale high-growth startups across the region.
The initiative comes with funding opportunities of up to $20,000 per startup and access to a broader $50 million venture capital ecosystem.
Positioned as more than a conventional pitch contest, the programme is part of the South East Venture Capital Program (SEVCP), a strategic investment pipeline aligned with the economic vision of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth.
A Launchpad for High-Impact Startups
The competition targets bold entrepreneurs and innovators building scalable solutions across critical sectors such as:
AgriTech
FinTech
HealthTech
Manufacturing
Clean Energy
Logistics
Creative Economy
Digital/SaaS
Startups operating within or building solutions for South East Nigeria are eligible to apply.
What Selected Startups Stand to Gain
Only 30 startups will be selected from what is expected to be a highly competitive pool of applicants. Successful candidates will benefit from: Up to $20,000 in funding under the Accelerator Track, Access to structured incubation and acceleration programmes, Exposure to top-tier mentors, investors, and strategic partners as well as Integration into a growing $50M regional venture capital network
Driving Regional Economic Transformation
The SEDC notes that the initiative is designed to catalyse enterprise development and unlock the entrepreneurial potential of the South East, positioning the region as a hub for innovation and investment in Nigeria.
By combining capital access with mentorship and ecosystem support, the programme aims to nurture startups capable of scaling beyond local markets and contributing significantly to national economic growth.
Applications Now Open
Interested founders can submit their applications via the official portal:
www.sedc.gov.ng/programs/sevcp/pitch
Additional details are available through the programme FAQs:
https://bit.ly/FAQs-SEDC
For enquiries, applicants can contact: sevcp@sedc.gov.ng
With strong institutional backing and a clear focus on scalable innovation, the South East Pitch Competition 2026 is set to become a defining platform for emerging startups in Nigeria’s evolving tech and business landscape.
