Ten Nigerian Startups Win ₦21m in Grants at SMEDAN–KOICA Innovation Competition
Ten Nigerian startups have won a combined ₦21 million in grants at the final pitch competition of the Start-up Innovation Academy (ACE), an entrepreneurship development initiative established by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Held on October 15, 2026, at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria in Abuja, the competition followed an application process that attracted 3,856 entries. Of these, 120 teams were selected for training in business modelling, digital capabilities and artificial intelligence, with 10 finalists advancing to the final pitch.
Beyond the cash awards, the winning teams will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to South Korea, providing opportunities for further exposure and learning.
Meet the Winning Startups
The 10 winners were recognised across five award categories for technology-driven solutions addressing challenges in education, healthcare, accessibility, business and other sectors.
Grand Prize – Loghema (US$5,000)
Loghema won the top prize for an AI-powered tool that automatically identifies Bible scripture references during sermons and displays the corresponding verses on screen within seconds. The solution aims to help churches improve service delivery by eliminating delays in locating and projecting Bible passages.
Excellence Award – Tita Universal Services Limited (US$3,000)
Founded by Aisha Aminu Mohammed, the startup developed an AI-powered platform that automatically generates lecture timetables for tertiary institutions, helping reduce scheduling conflicts and administrative workloads.
Merit Award – Tiptop Tutors (US$2,000)
Its HandyLab virtual science laboratory enables secondary school students to conduct simulated chemistry, physics and biology experiments. With guided learning and offline functionality, the platform seeks to improve access to practical science education, particularly in schools with limited laboratory facilities.
Encouragement Awards – US$1,000 each
- OneClickMed: A digital healthcare solution designed to connect patient records across different health facilities, supporting continuity of care.
- Ikor: An offline AI writing assistant designed to operate on low-end devices, making AI-powered writing accessible without continuous internet connectivity.
- Gyronics: Developer of Axol, a wearable assistive interface that enables people with upper-limb disabilities to control digital devices.
Challenge Awards – US$500 each
- Acclusivo: Its DeafLMS platform provides visual-first STEM learning for deaf children. The startup is led by Victor Oricha, a deaf founder and chief technology officer.
- Saipris: Uses existing student performance data to identify learners who may be struggling academically, enabling earlier intervention by schools.
- Monovella: Combines women’s health management tools with access to specialist appointments.
- Meertech Limited: Develops a solution that identifies errors in export documentation before shipment, helping businesses avoid costly delays and compliance problems.
Building Nigeria’s Startup Ecosystem
The ACE initiative combines entrepreneurship training, mentorship and competitive evaluation to help young Nigerian founders turn ideas into commercially viable businesses.
The project is implemented through a consortium comprising Soongsil University, Maincontents and Eduniety Lab, in partnership with KOICA and SMEDAN. Professor Gee Hyun Hwang of Soongsil University serves as Project Director.
The final competition attracted senior government officials and development partners, including South Korea’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Jung Yo-an; Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh; SMEDAN Director-General, Charles O. Odii; and KOICA Nigeria Country Director, Kim Eun-seop.
Together, the winning ventures demonstrate the breadth of innovation emerging from Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, with founders applying AI and digital technology to practical challenges in education, healthcare, accessibility and international trade.
Editorial note: The 10 awards add up to US$15,000.