Eligibility
Open to applicants aged 18-35, resident in one of the 13 Cohort 2 states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, whose solution addresses a specific challenge within their state or sector.
Before you apply
Applications from women and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged. Six criteria guide selection beyond the basic requirements below.
Age 18–35
At the time of application.
Resident of a Cohort 2 state
Ekiti, Kwara, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Kaduna, Borno, Taraba, Katsina, Niger, Abia, Cross River, or Plateau.
Solution-focused
Addresses a specific challenge within your state. The programme is sector-agnostic, innovators from any sector are welcome to apply.
Six things reviewers look for
Once the baseline requirements are met, the selection panel scores each application against the following six criteria.
New Idea
A genuinely new solution, or a new strategy applied to an existing approach, not a copy of an already-funded model.
Lived Experience
Personal insight into the problem being solved, whether through direct experience or close proximity to the community affected.
For-Profit
Solutions must be for-profit, to support employment creation and long-term sustainability beyond the programme.
Proof of Concept
Evidence the solution works and that people want it, a prototype, pilot, or early traction is a strong plus.
Scalability
Capable of being standardised or produced at scale across multiple states or communities.
Co-Creation Readiness
Willingness to work with ecosystem partners, mentors, and fellow innovators throughout the programme.