The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) has officially opened applications for NiYA Startup Pitch 2.0, a nationwide innovation challenge designed to identify and support 100 outstanding youth-led tech startups across Nigeria.
This initiative aims to spotlight bold ideas, scalable solutions, and young founders building technology-driven businesses that can transform communities and drive economic growth.
Selected startups will gain access to structured mentorship, enterprise development support, nationwide exposure, and a share of a ₦100 million funding pool.
The programme is backed by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), with Sapphital Ltd serving as the implementation partner. The goal is clear: empower young innovators with the tools, guidance, and capital needed to scale their solutions sustainably.
NiYA’s Vision: 7 Million Youth Empowered
NiYA operates with an ambitious national target of empowering and training 7 million Nigerian youths within the next two years. The broader ecosystem is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s workforce and digital economy through innovation, collaboration, and global competitiveness.
Key national objectives include:
- Training and empowering 7 million youths in two years
- Generating 5 million jobs within three years
- Increasing Nigeria’s productive capacity through youth engagement
- Expanding and strengthening the Nigerian digital economy
Through structured learning, enterprise support, and digital platforms, NiYA aims to position young Nigerians as drivers of economic transformation rather than job seekers alone.
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Eligibility Requirements for NiYA Startup Pitch 2.0
To qualify for the programme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Currently reside in Nigeria
- Apply as a team with at least two co-founders (solo applications are not accepted)
- Have a completed NiYA Community profile
- Possess a NiYA course completion certificate
- Submit a pitch deck outlining the startup’s idea and scalability plan
These requirements ensure that participating startups are structured, collaborative, and prepared for growth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for NiYA Startup Pitch 2.0
1. Enroll in NiYA Academy (Free Registration)
NiYA Academy is the foundation of the ecosystem. It operates under the “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative, which ensures that every participant gains at least two marketable skills.
The academy provides practical training across technology, business, creative industries, and vocational trades to improve employability and entrepreneurial readiness.
To begin learning, visit NiYA Academy Dashboard to start learning for free your preferred two marketable skills.
2. Join the NiYA Community
The NiYA Community serves as a professional networking and engagement hub. It allows young Nigerians to connect with employers, access job opportunities, showcase skills, and interact with peers and mentors.
Employers also benefit by accessing a pool of trained youth talent.
Go ahead and create your NiYA profile.
3. Explore NiYA Gigs
NiYA Gigs is a digital freelancing platform designed specifically for Nigerian youths.
It allows skilled individuals to offer services to local and international clients while receiving payments in a system tailored for Nigeria.
If you are a designer, writer, programmer, marketer, virtual assistant, or creative professional, this platform provides opportunities to monetize your expertise.
Visit NiYA Gigs to start exploring real time jobs.
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4. Apply for NiYA Startup Innovation (Pitch 2.0)
NiYA Startup Innovation identifies and supports promising youth-led ventures solving real problems.
The pilot edition recorded over 14,000 applications, with 17 startups receiving ₦1 million each in seed funding and business support.
The second edition expands the impact, targeting 100 high-potential startups nationwide. Successful applicants will receive mentorship, funding access, enterprise tools, and national recognition.
Visit NiYA Startup 2.0 application page to register your interest and submit your pitch.
Application Deadline
Applications are currently ongoing and reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission is strongly advised.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can solo founders apply?
No. Each startup must have at least two co-founders to ensure team strength and sustainability.
Can submissions be made in a local language?
No. All applications must be submitted in English to ensure uniform evaluation.
Can I edit my application after submission?
No. Once submitted, applications cannot be modified. Review carefully before final submission.
Are Nigerians in the diaspora eligible?
Only applicants currently residing in Nigeria are eligible.
What happens after submission?
Applications undergo eligibility verification. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email with further instructions.
When will winners be announced?
Official announcements will be made through NiYA Community platforms and their verified social media pages.
SEE ALSO: Federal Government Connect NextGen Innovation Hackathon for Nigerian Startups
Final Note
NiYA Startup Pitch 2.0 presents a major opportunity for young Nigerian founders ready to build scalable, tech-driven solutions.
If you meet the requirements and have a strong team with a clear innovation plan, this could be your chance to access funding, mentorship, and national visibility.
For more verified job updates, recruitment opportunities, grants, and youth empowerment programmes like this, join Dailylight Channel on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram today and stay ahead of every opportunity.
You can also check out more opportunities you are eligible to apply for on the Federal Government Initiative Category, Latest Grant Collection Category, and Job and Career Opportunity Desk.
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