The Federal Government has launched the application portal for the Student Venture Capital Grant, a new national programme designed to support student innovation in accredited tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The initiative offers equity-free grants of up to ₦50 million for promising, student-led ventures.
The announcement was made on Monday in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a cornerstone of the government’s broader vision to stimulate innovation and technological advancement across the country.
“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,” Alausa said.
Focus on STEMM innovation
According to the ministry, the programme targets students developing innovations in STEMM fields—Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences. The grant aims to ignite and support student-driven innovation by funding solutions that address real-world problems with clear potential for scale and commercialisation.
Successful applicants will also be placed within a complete support ecosystem, including incubation, mentorship, and access to essential tools and resources.
Google partnership for AI-powered evaluation
As part of efforts to strengthen the programme’s evaluation process, the ministry announced a partnership with Google. Under the collaboration, Gemini AI will power automated application assessments, ensuring fairness and efficiency.
Additionally, every applicant will receive a free one-year Gemini Pro licence alongside premium learning resources.
“This ensures that our students begin their entrepreneurial journey with the very best tools available globally. We are building a powerful innovation funnel from idea to market domination,” the statement said.
Portal now open
Applications are now open at svcg.education.gov.ng, and eligible students are encouraged to submit proposals demonstrating scalability, market relevance, and the potential to solve critical national or global challenges.
The ministry emphasised that the initiative represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
