210 Startups Reach Next Round Of South East Pitch Programme

The South East Development Commission(SEDC), has said 210 startups have advanced to the next stage of South East Venture Capital Programme (SEVCP) pitch competition.

The programme is aimed at advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to expand access to capital for startups and strengthen Nigeria’s investment landscape.

SEDC’s executive director, Finance and Chairman, SEVCP Committee, Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, in a statement said the 210 is from a pool of over 1,200 applications received across the geopolitical zone.

According to the statement, this includes 128 startups in the Incubator Track and 82 startups in the Accelerator Track.

“This milestone marks a significant step in the Commission’s broader effort to identify, support, and scale high-potential, technology -driven ventures across the region. The volume and quality of applications received reflect a growing depth of entrepreneurial activity and an encouraging shift towards innovation-led enterprise.

“The evaluation process was designed to ensure fairness, consistency and alignment with the objectives of the programme. Applications were first screened for eligibility, including demonstrable ties to the South East, the presence of a meaningful technology component, and full compliance with submission requirements.

“Eligible startups were then assessed across key criteria such as problem–solution fit, execution, market opportunity, and technology. For more advanced ventures, traction and revenue were critical considerations, while early-stage startups were evaluated based on validation and evidence of emerging demand.

“The startups advancing to this stage have demonstrated clarity of thought, tangible progress, and credible potential for scale. They now proceed to the next phase of the competition, which will involve a video pitch assessment designed to provide deeper insight into founder capability, strategic thinking and execution readiness,” the statement reads.

It said the competition will culminate in a Grand Finale scheduled for May 25, 2026, where top- performing startups will present their ventures investors, operators, policymakers and other key stakeholders within the innovation ecosystem.

“This will be followed by an Investment Ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, where selected startups will receive funding and enter the next phase of structured support under the SEVCP.

“The South East Development Commission remains committed to building a strong pipeline of investable ventures, strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem and creating pathways for startups to scale sustainably.