Student Venture Capital Program (S-VCG)

Student Venture Capital Program (S-VCG) is sponsored by Federal Ministry of Education (Nigeria). The S-VCG provides funding, validation support, and national visibility for student-led businesses in Nigeria. It fuels innovation with funding, mentorship, tools, and validation, particularly in STEMM fields, including Technology and Engineering.

Student Venture Capital Grant Empowering Student Innovation Across Nigeria The Student Venture Capital Program (S-VCG) provides funding, validation support, and national visibility for bold student-led businesses — powered by the Federal Ministry of Education.

Active student innovation projects across Nigeria Up to ₦50M grant funding available in the current S-VCG cycle States & FCT reach for nationwide participation Fuelling student-led innovation with funding, mentorship, tools, validation, and national visibility. We partner with students and teams building high-impact solutions across Nigeria.

S-VCG provides milestone-based grants, structured validation support, and a national innovation repository that keeps every qualified project visible, even when not selected for funding. Built with transparency at its core, S-VCG streamlines fair evaluation, tracks progress against milestones, and enables accountable disbursements through government-approved rails.

Renewed Hope in Education President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda places education at the heart of Nigeria’s development strategy, recognising it as the foundation for economic growth, innovation, and social stability.

Empowering Student Innovators Across Nigeria's Key Development Sectors Ventures Creating tangible solution from scientific research, biotechnology and agricultural innovation Tech-driven ventures using software, hardware or AI to solve specific challanges and build Nigeria's digital economy Engineering-based projects that design, build or optimize machinery, sustainable infrastructure and industrial systems Ventures built on mathematical innovation, including advanced analysis, financial modeling and data driven solution Ventures in healthcare and med-tech that improve healthcare delivery, develop medical devices or enhance public health Funding, validation, and visibility, all in one national platform.

Students or teams upload their business details, pitch video, and funding request through the S-VCG application portal. Get Reviewed & Receive Feedback Applications go through multiple review rounds. Even non-selected projects receive structured feedback and remain visible in the Innovation Repository.

Validate & Refine Your Solution Shortlisted teams work through a structured validation process to refine their solution, strengthen their business model, and prepare for milestone activation. Receive Milestone-Based Funding Approved teams unlock funding in tranches upon reaching specific milestones, tracked transparently through the S-VCG system and incubation period.

Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa (FAMedS), CON , emphasised the strategic importance of the scheme: "The President has challenged us to look for the next Moonshot within our tertiary institutions. We are not just looking for projects; we are scouting for future Nigerian Unicorns whose roots will be planted right here in our universities and colleges. This is an equity-free seed investment in Nigeria’s future."

Explore the Innovation Portfolio Every submitted project becomes part of Nigeria's future, empowering students to innovate, take risks, believe in the country and drive real change and impact. All submissions become visible in the gallery, ensuring submissions remain discoverable by peers, partners, institutions, and potential investors and inspiration for even greater projects.

Frequently Asked Questions Here are the most asked questions from our users Who can apply for the S-VCG Program? You must be a student currently enrolled in a Nigerian tertiary institution — that includes universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Is it only for students in public schools?

Nope! Students from both public and private tertiary institutions can apply. What level do I need to be in?

You must be at least 300 level (or its equivalent) at your institution. however all students can be members of a team led by a 300 level and above student. Do I need to have a registered company?

Yes. Your project or innovation must have a business name registered with CAC-registered company in Nigeria. Can I apply individually or as a team?

You can apply as an individual or as a team — as long as you meet all the eligibility criteria above. Do I need a business plan? Absolutely.

You’ll need a clear business plan that includes your expenditure milestones and key performance indicators (KPIs). What kind of ideas or projects are eligible? We’re looking for ideas, solutions, projects, or businesses that fall under STEMMS — that’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences.

Can students in lower levels apply? Yes, but you’ll need to team up with a student in 300 level or above. Your team’s company or project submission must include them as a co-founder or partner.

Can I submit just an idea or prototype? Not this time. Your project or business concept must be beyond proof of concept — meaning it should be sufficiently developed to demonstrate real-world potential, not just an idea on paper.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team. Take the next step — submit your business innovation and get a chance for equity-free seed investment by the Federal Government via the Federal Ministry of Education An initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education & National Skills Council