The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has officially opened applications for the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG) a national initiative designed to help Nigerian students turn innovative ideas into real, scalable businesses.

The grant forms part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to build a new generation of student entrepreneurs capable of creating solutions in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medical sciences (STEMM). With this programme, the government hopes to identify and support Nigeria’s next groundbreaking innovations, built directly from university and polytechnic campuses.

Federal Government’s Focus on Student Founders

During the public launch, the Minister of Education, Chief Dr. Tunji Alausa FAMedS, CON, highlighted that the President has tasked the Ministry with finding the “next Moonshot” within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

He noted that S-VCG is not just about supporting class assignments, but about backing bold, high-impact innovations that can grow into billion-naira companies. The grant serves as an equity-free seed fund, ensuring student founders retain full control of their ideas.

How the Student Venture Capital Grant Works

The S-VCG is designed to empower student-led ventures that solve real problems and show potential for growth.

Key features include:

• Up to N50 million equity-free funding per venture
  
• Full ownership remains with the student founders
  
• Strong focus on STEMM-based innovations
  
• Support for ideas that can move from research to marketable products
  

Projects may include innovations such as health-tech applications, renewable energy tools, agriculture automation solutions, medical devices, or other technology-driven ideas.

Support Beyond the N50 Million Grant

Successful applicants gain much more than funding. They enter a structured support system that includes:

• Incubation programmes to refine concepts and build prototypes
  
• Mentorship from experienced founders, investors, and industry experts
  
• Access to digital platforms, tools, and technical resources
  
• Hands-on business development training
  

This ecosystem helps students move from idea stage to real-world product launch.

Key Benefits for Students

Through S-VCG, student innovators can:

• Build startups without losing equity
  
• Access professional mentorship and career-shaping guidance
  
• Use advanced digital tools they may not otherwise afford
  
• Gain real entrepreneurial experience before graduation
  

Google Partnership and Gemini AI Support

To strengthen the programme, the Ministry of Education is partnering with Google.

Highlights of the partnership include:

• Google’s Gemini AI evaluation agents will help review applications fairly
  
• Every valid applicant receives a 1-year free Google Gemini Pro licence
  
• Students also gain access to premium digital learning resources
  

This means all applicants—whether funded or not—receive valuable tools to advance their skills.

Who Can Apply for the S-VCG Grant

The grant is open to:

• Nigerian students
  
• Enrolled in any accredited tertiary institution within the country
  

Applications must demonstrate:

• A clear problem worth solving
  
• Viable plans for scaling
  
• Market relevance in Nigeria or globally
  
• Strong STEMM foundation
  
• Realistic paths from idea to product
  

How to Apply for the Student Venture Capital Grant

The official S-VCG application portal is now active. Eligible students should apply through the:

 Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG) application portal

Applicants must ensure their proposals:

• Show potential for real-world adoption
  
• Explain market relevance and scalability
  
• Present clear execution and development plans
  
• Demonstrate readiness for mentorship and incubation
  

What This Grant Means for Nigeria and Its Students

The S-VCG represents one of the Federal Government’s strongest commitments yet to youth innovation. With up to N50 million equity-free funding, structured guidance, and access to AI-powered tools, students now have a direct pathway to build impactful, sustainable businesses while still in school.

By supporting STEMM-driven ideas and enabling young innovators to build solutions for local and global markets, the government is investing in Nigeria’s economic future and empowering a new generation of tech-driven entrepreneurs.