The Startup Innovation Challenge/Hackathon 2025 is now open for tech startups and innovators across Nigeria and Africa. Apply free before July 20 and win cash prizes, AWS credits, mentorship, and business support. Apply below:
When is the Application Deadline?
Application closes on Sunday, 20th July 2025. The online pitch will take place on Wednesday, 30th July 2025.
Tell Me About The Startup Innovation Challenge/Hackathon:
The Startup Innovation Challenge / Hackathon 2025 is an online hackathon and business growth experience designed for startups, SMEs, tech innovators, and entrepreneurs across Nigeria and Africa. With over ₦100 million worth of prizes, including cash, AWS credits, mentorship, and business support, the program aims to empower tech-enabled startups by providing funding, mentorship, visibility, and the tools needed to build impactful solutions. Participants also gain access to a free AWS-powered environment to build during the hackathon, especially those at the ideation stage.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
The following fields are eligible:
- EduTech
- HealthTech
- FinTech
- AgroTech
- Web3 / Blockchain
- E-commerce
- SaaS
- Logistics / Transportation
- Real Estate and more…
Type:
Contest
Related:
Who can Apply for the Startup Innovation Challenge/Hackathon?
The eligibility criteria include:
- Age: 14 – 45 (male and female)
- Nigerians or other Africans
- Non-Africans building for the African market
- Your idea or startup must be tech-enabled
How are Applicants Selected?
Winners are selected based on innovation, execution, and potential for impact.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Nigerians and other Africans. Non-Africans building solutions for the African market are also eligible.
Where will the Award be Taken?
Virtual
How Many Awards?
Not specified
What is the Benefit of the Startup Innovation Challenge/Hackathon?
The contest benefits include:
- Over ₦100 million worth of prizes, including cash, AWS credits, mentorship, and business support
- Access to at least ₦1,500,000 in AWS credits via Transnet Cloud
- Mentorship, visibility, and investor-readiness support
- Free AWS-powered environment for building (especially for ideation-stage startups)
Prize Details:
- 1st Place: ₦10 million value (₦5M cash, ₦4M AWS credits, ₦1M business mentorship/training)
- 2nd Place: ₦8 million value (₦3M cash, ₦4M AWS credits, ₦1M business mentorship/training)
- 3rd Place: ₦7 million value (₦2M cash, ₦4M AWS credits, ₦1M business mentorship/training)
- 10 Runner-Ups: ₦8 million value total (₦200,000 cash + ₦1.5M AWS credits each)
- All selected participants: ₦500,000 worth of AWS credits
How to Apply:
Apply for free through the official application form.
Visit the official webpage.
