About this opportunity
The Tech Revolution Africa Builders Festival is powered by Tech Revolution Africa in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and it is built around a simple matching idea. Government agencies, corporations and other institutions submit operational challenges they actually need solved, and participating startups are matched with the challenges their existing products can address.
The organisers say the programme carries a target ₦3 billion investment and contract pipeline involving venture capital, angel investment and government innovation support. Rather than a grant scheme, it is a market access route. Matched startups can pitch their solutions, explore pilot contracts and take part in deal room sessions during the Digital Nigeria International Conference 2026, where they can discuss potential pilot agreements and memoranda of understanding with institutions.
This is not an idea stage competition. Startups must be registered in Nigeria and be at MVP stage or beyond, with at least one live user, an active pilot or a paying client. The programme wants ready to deploy solutions that institutions can buy and use.
Applications close on Monday October 5, 2026, and shortlisted startups should receive a decision within 10 business days of the
Application timeline
What you receive
- Direct market access to government agencies, corporations and institutions with identified technology needs
- Chance to explore pilot contracts and investment through a stated ₦3 billion investment and contract pipeline
- Live deal room sessions at the Digital Nigeria International Conference 2026 in Abuja
- Intensive masterclasses on product development, engineering, go to market strategy, pilot execution and building for national scale infrastructure
- Matching with institutions based on how well your product answers their submitted challenges
Who can apply
- Startup is registered in Nigeria
- Product is at MVP stage or beyond
- At least one of: a live user, an active pilot, or a paying client
- Technology addresses one or more of the institutional challenges listed on the application portal
Who should not apply
- Idea stage and pre product startups are not eligible
- Solutions still at research stage are outside the stated product maturity requirement
Documents to prepare
- Registered company name and brand name
- Founder or CEO details and CTO or technical lead details
- LinkedIn profiles, email and phone number
- Product stage, sector and the institutional challenges your solution addresses
- Information about current or previous pilot partners, and whether you seek equity investment, pilot contracts or both
How to apply
- Open the official application portal at https://nitda.techrevolutionafrica.org and find the application form section
- Complete the online form with your startup details, product stage, sector and the institutional challenges your solution answers
- Submit before the application deadline of Monday October 5, 2026
- Watch for feedback, which the organisers say should arrive within 10 business days of the deadline, and prepare for shortlisting and institution matching
Selection process
- Applications are assessed on market traction, evidence that the product is already used in the market
- Assessment of team resilience, whether the technical team can support integration and deployment at larger scale
- Product maturity, with preference for ready to deploy solutions over research stage products
- Shortlisted startups are matched with institutions based on how their products align with submitted challenges, under a joint steering committee of industry veterans and government leaders
Sources and verification
Questions applicants ask
Is this a grant programme?
No. There is no grant award. The festival connects startups with institutional buyers, pilot contracts and a target ₦3 billion investment and contract pipeline through venture capital, angel investment and government innovation support.
Can an idea stage startup apply?
No. The organisers state that applicants need a product at MVP stage or beyond, with at least one live user, an active pilot or a paying client.
When is the final event?
The programme culminates in live deal room sessions during the Digital Nigeria International Conference 2026 in Abuja.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
