NASENI Xceler8
 Applications Open  ◢◢◢  $25k Program Support  ◢◢◢  3 Months · 100% Virtual  ◢◢◢  Backed by NASENI  ◢◢◢  Apply Today  ◢◢◢    Applications Open  ◢◢◢  $25k Program Support  ◢◢◢  3 Months · 100% Virtual  ◢◢◢  Backed by NASENI  ◢◢◢  Apply Today  ◢◢◢  
▶ NASENI Innovation Hub · Accelerator

Turning Nigerian Deeptech Startups into Global Ventures

A 3-month virtual accelerator for post-MVP innovators, we are offering up to $25k in program support, expert mentorship, and direct runway to investors.

Apply Now Check Eligibility
3 Months
Program
$25k
Support
100%
Virtual

Backed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI)

About the program

From Prototype to Market

NASENI Xceler8 finds Nigeria's best science and engineering innovators and helps them commercialize their solutions. The program gives you the business skills, resources, and mentorship to turn your working product into a growing venture.

All program sessions run online. You learn, build, and pitch from anywhere in Nigeria.

From Prototype to Market
3 Months
Program
$25k
In Program Support
100%
Virtual
What you get

Six Pillars of Support

Capacity-Building Workshops

Training in Business Model Canvas, Lean Startup, financial modelling, market entry and validation, scaling, leadership, and pitch readiness.

Hands-On Development Support

Practical help to refine your product and reach your milestones.

Mentorship & Technical Support

Expert mentors set milestones with you and review your progress every week.

Networking & Industry Collaboration

Connections to industry partners and fellow innovators.

Funding & Investment Support

$25k in program support plus training that prepares you to raise capital.

Post-Program Support

Continued guidance after the program ends.

How it works

Your 3-Month Journey

Month 1

Learn

Onboarding and training workshops in business models, finance, market validation, and pitching.

Months 2 – 3

Build

Refine your product against mentor-set milestones. Weekly scrums and assignments track your progress.

Demo Day

Pitch

Present your venture to investors and partners at the program pitch event.

Who should apply

Post-MVP Innovators Ready to Scale

We are looking for post-MVP innovators who are ready to scale.

At least one paying customer Proven market demand Customer retention Repeatable revenue Strong growth potential
Eligibility

Check That You Qualify

  • You are a Nigerian citizen, aged 15 to 40, and you currently reside in Nigeria. Students and temporary visitors abroad are not eligible.
  • You operate a registered Nigerian entity with evidence of at least five completed paid transactions.
  • You have a fully functional prototype or a live commercial product. Idea-stage products are not eligible.
  • Your solution solves a problem in science, engineering, and innovation.
  • Your solution uses technology.
  • Your innovation is original, and you created it.
  • Your innovation solves a local problem or improves community life, and it fits the Nigerian context.
  • You have a dedicated, well-rounded team, for example a Founder, CTO, CFO, and CMO.
  • You can state one specific, measurable milestone to achieve during the program.
  • You submit only one innovation, and you have an active Instagram account.

Prepare Your Application

Review these two resources before you complete the Foundation Course section.

Watch: Financing Video Guide Open: Planning Template
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The program runs for 3 months. All sessions are virtual.

You get $25k in program support, expert mentorship, workshops, and investor access.

Nigerian innovators aged 15 to 40 with a functional prototype or a live product. See the eligibility section for the full list.

No. Application and participation are free for selected innovators.

Online. You can join from anywhere in Nigeria.

Complete the application form on this page. Prepare your transaction evidence, product media, and a 2-minute video pitch.

Apply

Start Your Application

Complete the three sections below. Answer honestly and completely.

1Applicant Information
2Foundation Course
3Uploads & Evidence

Section 1: Applicant Information

Fields marked * are required.

Applicants must be 15 to 40 years old.
Describe your innovation, how it uses technology, and the local problem it solves.0 / 300 words
State one specific, measurable milestone.
List your key team members and their roles.
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