Tech startups to compete for N9.2m seed fund in Lagos

LAGOS — Nigerian startups and innovators will have the opportunity to win N9.2 million in seed capital as the Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group, TTSWG, unveils the second edition of its Innovators Makers Challenge, IMC, Conference and Innovation Exhibition in Lagos.

The conference, scheduled for September 24, 2026, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, is expected to bring together policymakers, technology companies, investors, financial institutions, development partners and innovators to examine how technology can drive sustainable economic growth and national competitiveness.

The top three winners of the IMC Quest Pitch Competition will share the N9.2 million seed capital, with the winner receiving N7 million, first runner-up N1.2 million and second runner-up N1 million.

The competition is targeted at young Nigerian innovators and entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35, growth-stage startups, small and medium enterprises, and technology and sustainability ventures.

According to TTSWG, the initiative is designed to move beyond identifying innovative ideas to supporting solutions with market potential and measurable economic, social and environmental impact.

Lead Consultant at the TTSWG Secretariat, Bankole Oloruntoba, said the 2026 edition had expanded considerably from its 2023 maiden edition.

He said: “We’ve expanded IMC 2.0 mandate to accelerate solutions across HealthTech, FinTech, AgriTech, ClimateTech, AI, Manufacturing, Education, Infrastructure, Creative Industries, Digital Governance, and other technology-enabled sectors with proven market validation and measurable economic, social, and environmental impact.”

The initiative will cover sectors including agriculture, energy, healthcare, financial technology, water solutions, waste management, climate technology, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, education, infrastructure, smart cities, creative industries, digital governance, logistics and mobility.

The programme will also feature a three-day IMC Bootcamp, offering mentorship in business development, team building, finance and pitching, while Business Clinics will provide legal and business advisory support to participating ventures.

More than 20 startups, technology firms, research projects and development organisations are expected to showcase their solutions at the innovation exhibition.

The top five growth-stage startups emerging from the bootcamp will participate in the IMC Quest Pitch Competition at the conference, where a panel of judges will select the winners.

TTSWG said winning startups would also undergo a structured six-month post-competition incubation programme aimed at strengthening their businesses and improving the utilisation of the seed capital.

The first edition of the IMC in 2023 attracted more than 300 physical participants, 759 registrants and featured 17 innovations.

The 2026 edition is sponsored by IHS Nigeria, with Hydrogen, Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, NCIC, LBS Sustainability Centre and MTN listed among other partners.

The conference will also feature the launch of the Telecommunication and Technology Citizenship Awareness Roadmap, TATCAR, 2023–2026, which TTSWG said captures developments and best practices for responsible growth in the telecommunications and technology sector.