Applications Open — Cohort 1

Nigeria's science & engineering accelerator.

The NASENI Xceler8 Program takes post-MVP innovators with proven demand and equips them to scale, fundraise, and compete globally. 25 places. Real support. No fees.

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Learn more
25
Innovators selected
$25K
Support value
5mo
Programme duration
About the Programme

Built for breakthroughs that are ready to move.

Xceler8 bridges the gap between technical excellence and commercial success — giving innovators the skills, mentorship, and connections to scale.

In line with NASENI's mandate to advance Nigeria's industrialisation and position the country as a global technology leader, the NASENI Innovation Hub has launched Xceler8 — a focused acceleration initiative for science and engineering innovators.

We don't take ideas. We take post-MVP ventures with paying customers — founders who've proven demand and now need the tools to scale nationally and compete globally.

The programme runs entirely virtually over five months, culminating in a live Pitch Day in Abuja where the Top 10 finalists present to investors, government, and industry leaders.

A NASENI Initiative
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$25,000
Worth of acceleration support per selected innovator
25
Innovators selected each cohort
100+
Direct & indirect jobs targeted
What You Get

Everything you need to go from product to scale.

Capacity-Building Workshops

Expert-led training in business modelling, market entry, financial strategy, lean startup methodology, and investment readiness.

Hands-On Development Support

Dedicated sessions to build and sharpen your MVP aligned with real market demand and expert mentor feedback.

Mentorship & Technical Support

One-on-one access to seasoned industry mentors and technical advisors throughout your entire programme journey.

Networking & Industry Access

Connect with investors, corporates, and ecosystem players across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.

Funding & Investment Readiness

Structured pathways to connect with funding opportunities and pitch confidently on Demo Day.

Post-Programme Support

Continued access to NIH infrastructure, alumni network, and ongoing resources after the programme concludes.

How it Works

Five months. Four phases. One trajectory.

The programme is fully virtual until Pitch Day — intensive, structured, and milestone-driven throughout.

1
Month 1–2
Recruitment
  • Media campaigns launch
  • Call for Applications open
  • Selection of 25 innovators
  • Free LMS learning begins
2
Month 3
Onboarding & Training
  • Participant onboarding
  • Capacity-building workshops
  • Mentor matching & support
  • BMC, Lean Startup, market entry
3
Month 4–5
MVP Development
  • MVP refinement sprints
  • Testing & feedback cycles
  • Weekly scrums & tracking
  • Investment readiness prep
4
Pitch Day
Demo Day, Abuja
  • Top 10 finalists selected
  • Live pitch to 100+ guests
  • Investor introductions
  • Post-programme support begins
Who Should Apply

Built for founders who've already proved it works.

Check every box below before you apply. We're looking for post-MVP innovators ready to scale.

Nigerian citizen, operating in Nigeria, aged 15–40 years
Solution addresses Science, Engineering, or Innovation challenges
Fully functional MVP or live commercial product already built
Evidence of at least 5 completed paid transactions
Solution leverages technology as a core component
Dedicated, complementary team (Founder, CTO, CFO, CMO)
Can articulate a specific, measurable milestone for the programme
Passionate about national development with a Nigeria-first mindset

Programme at a Glance

Everything selected innovators receive, at no cost.

Duration
5 months, fully virtual
Support value
Up to $25,000 per innovator
Cohort size
25 selected innovators
Programme fee
Completely free
Call for Applications

Apply to NASENI Xceler8 — Cohort 1

All fields are required unless marked optional. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

    Personal Information





    Your Venture





    Your Pitch


    By submitting this application, I confirm all information provided is accurate and complete. I understand that the NASENI Innovation Hub reserves the right to verify eligibility and disqualify applications that do not meet the stated criteria.

    Application Received!

    Thank you for applying to the NASENI Xceler8 Program.
    We've received your application and will review it carefully.

    Shortlisted applicants will be contacted at the email address provided. Good luck!

    FAQs

    Common questions, answered.

    Nigerian citizens aged 15–40, operating in Nigeria, with a functional MVP or live product that leverages technology and addresses a Science, Engineering, or Innovation challenge.
    None at all. The NASENI Xceler8 Program is completely free for accepted innovators. Participants receive support worth up to $25,000 at zero cost.
    We strongly prefer teams. A complete, complementary team — Founder, CTO, CMO — significantly strengthens your application. Solo founders at an advanced commercial stage may still apply.
    It means you've built your product and have at least one paying customer. We define the minimum as 5 completed paid transactions — proof that real demand exists for what you've built.
    Yes — all training, workshops, and mentorship are virtual. The only in-person event is Pitch Day in Abuja, which only the Top 10 finalists attend. Travel and accommodation will be arranged for them.
    Applications are reviewed by a panel based on product stage, market traction, team strength, and your stated programme milestone. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a brief interview.
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