Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari has announced a competition to find the country’s 50 most innovative startups, inviting startups to apply to pitch to an audience of public and private sector investors and decision-makers at the inaugural Aso Villa Demo Day.
The Aso Villa Demo Day competition will be divided into two stages – an initial pitching event, at which the country’s 50 most innovative startups will be selected; followed by an “unveiling” exhibition of the winning startups.
100 Nigerian startups will be invited to pitch at the Aso Villa Demo Day, to be held on June 23 in Lagos, before a dedicated panel of judges, investors and sponsors. In addition, over 100 investors will be present in the audience.
From among those pitching, the 50 most innovative startups will be selected to attend an “unveiling” in Abuja, where the selected startups will showcase their businesses to the President and an audience of public and private sector decision-makers and investors.
“Aso Villa Demo Day is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, job creation and economic growth through the use of new and emerging technologies. This event will celebrate some of the best Nigerians in technology innovation and creativity,” the federal government said.
Nigerian entrepreneurs with either an operational business, or an idea under development, aged between 18 and 40 are eligible to apply.
Applications to pitch can be made here. The event is also open to the public, but registration is required here.
