BREAKING: FG Announces N50 Million Venture Capital Grant for Students — Application Portal Now Open

The Federal Ministry of Education has officially announced the launch of the N50 Million Student Venture Capital Grant, a new funding program under the Next Moonshot Initiative, aimed at supporting young innovators across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The initiative marks one of the most significant government-backed investments in student innovation, offering equity-free funding to help young Nigerians build solutions in science, technology and emerging fields that can drive national development.

Applications for the 2025 cycle are now open through the dedicated portal: svcg.education.gov.ng.

Before you proceed, if you’d like to explore other youth empowerment opportunities, check out the NDDC Skill Acquisition Programme 2025/2026 – Application Portal, Requirements & How to Apply

Overview of the N50 Million Student Venture Capital Grant

The Student Venture Capital Grant is designed to support promising student-led innovations with financial backing of up to ₦50,000,000. The grant is structured to help young researchers, inventors, and tech builders turn ideas into functioning prototypes, early-stage startups, or scalable solutions.

Key features include:

• Equity-free funding — beneficiaries do not give up ownership of their projects.

• Open to students across accredited Nigerian tertiary institutions.

• Focused on STEMM fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

• Encourages both solo innovators and team-based projects.

This initiative complements the Federal Government’s broader effort to support innovation, deepen research capacity, and prepare students for the fast-changing global economy.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the 2025 Student Venture Capital Grant, applicants must meet all listed requirements:

Basic Requirements

• Must be a Nigerian citizen.

• Must be enrolled in an accredited tertiary institution (university, polytechnic, or college of education).

• Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Innovation Requirements

Applicants must submit an idea, prototype, or solution that demonstrates:

• Originality

• Clear problem-solving purpose

• Potential for real-world relevance

• Feasibility and scalability

Documentation

Applicants will need to upload:

• Valid student ID card

• Admission or enrollment proof

• A concept note or brief project summary

• A short pitch deck (5–10 slides)

• Means of identification (NIN, passport, or voter’s card)

Age & Team Structure

• Ideal age range: 18–35 years

• Teams of up to 4 members are allowed

• Groups must designate a team lead for communication

Types of Innovations That Qualify

The grant supports solutions capable of addressing real social or economic challenges. Eligible categories include:

1. Renewable Energy Innovations

Solar-based systems, micro-grid designs, clean battery technologies, waste-to-energy concepts.

2. Artificial Intelligence & Robotics

AI-powered diagnostic tools, automation systems, robotics prototypes for industrial or domestic use.

3. Health-Tech & Biotech

Medical devices, digital health platforms, biotech experiments, low-cost diagnostic tools.

4. Software & Digital Solutions

Fintech, edtech, cybersecurity tools, locally relevant mobile or web applications.

5. Agriculture & Food Security Technologies

Smart farming tools, irrigation tech, post-harvest storage innovations, food processing devices.

6. Engineering Prototypes

Mechanical devices, environmental engineering systems, fabrication concepts.

7. EdTech Innovations

Learning platforms, digital curriculum tools, accessibility technologies for education.

8. Climate Adaptation Tools

Weather monitoring devices, flood management tools, community-based resilience systems.

Projects outside these fields may still qualify if they show strong innovation potential and practical value.

Benefit of Student Venture Capital Grant under the Next Moonshot Initiative

This funding initiative gives students the opportunity to build ideas that might otherwise be impossible due to financial constraints. Benefits include:

Support for Students

• Access to significant equity-free funding

• Boost to research and creativity

• Exposure to networks and mentors

Economic Relevance

• Encourages the development of local solutions

• Strengthens Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem

• Creates pathways for student-led startups

Skill Development

• Enhances entrepreneurial thinking

• Encourages teamwork and leadership

• Builds technical and presentation skills

For many students, the grant serves as the first real chance to transform a school project into a viable product.

How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide

All applications must be submitted through the official portal:
👉 svcg.education.gov.ng

Follow the steps carefully:

1. Visit the official portal and create a new account.

2. Verify your email to activate your profile.

3. Log in and select “New Application.”

4. Fill in your personal and academic information.

5. Upload your concept note explaining your innovation.

6. Upload your pitch deck (PDF or PPT format).

7. Provide team member details (if applicable).

8. Review your entries for accuracy.

9. Submit and wait for a confirmation message.

Applicants are advised to keep their login details safe for future updates.

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Application Tips for Students

To improve your chances of being selected, consider the following:

1. Write a Clear, Concise Proposal

Explain the problem, your solution, and why it matters. Avoid technical jargon that may confuse reviewers.

2. Demonstrate Feasibility

Show that your idea can become a practical, working solution — not just a theory.

3. Back Your Idea with Data

Use facts, examples, or simple research to show that your innovation solves a real problem.

4. Create a Simple Pitch Deck

A good pitch deck should include:

• Problem

• Solution

• Target users

• Prototype images (if any)

• Benefits

• Your team

5. Avoid Common Mistakes

• Don’t submit vague ideas

• Don’t miss required documents

• Don’t reuse proposals without editing

6. Submit Early

Early applicants often have fewer technical issues and get priority during initial reviews.

Possible Selection Process

While the ministry has not released full details, typical selection may include:

• Document Screening

• Innovation Review

• Scoring Based on Impact, Feasibility & Originality

• Pitch Presentation (Virtual or Physical)

• Final Selection and Grant Award

Successful applicants will receive communication directly from the Ministry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the grant truly free?
Yes. It is an equity-free grant. No repayment is required.

2. Can part-time students apply?
Only full-time students in accredited institutions are expected to apply unless otherwise stated.

3. Are group projects allowed?
Yes. Teams of up to four members can apply.

4. Is the portal open now?
Yes, the application portal is open at svcg.education.gov.ng.

5. Do applicants need a prototype?
Not mandatory, but having one may improve your chances.

6. Is there an age limit?
Ideal range: 18–35 years.

7. Can postgraduate students apply?
Yes — MSc and PhD students can apply.

8. Are non-STEMM ideas accepted?
STEMM innovations are prioritized, but strong tech-enabled solutions may also be considered.

9. Will shortlisted applicants be contacted?
Yes. All updates will be communicated via email.

10. Does the grant cover business setup costs?
It supports innovation development, early-stage testing, and implementation.

Conclusion

The N50 Million Student Venture Capital Grant is a major opportunity for Nigerian students to showcase their creativity and build solutions with real market impact. With the application portal now open, this is the time for young innovators to prepare their proposals, refine their ideas, and submit strong applications.

Students interested in this opportunity are encouraged to apply early and follow all instructions carefully.

Continue visiting NgEmpower.com for verified updates on grants, scholarships, recruitment, and opportunities for young Nigerians.

Disclaimer

NgEmpower.com is not affiliated with the Federal Ministry of Education.
All applications must be submitted only through the official portal: svcg.education.gov.ng.