The Startup Abuja Innovation Challenge/Hackathon 2025 is a fully online tech competition designed to empower startups, SMEs, tech innovators, and entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond. It provides participants with access to funding, mentorship, AWS credits, and visibility to scale their digital solutions across Africa. 

Location (country/city)

The hackathon is 100% online, allowing participants to join from anywhere in Nigeria (or abroad, if building for the African market). Apply and compete remotely. 

Funding

• Total prize pool: Over ₦100 million (approx. USD 60,000). 
• 1st prize: ₦5m cash + ₦4m AWS credits + ₦1m mentorship
• 2nd prize: ₦3m cash + ₦4m AWS credits + ₦1m mentorship
• 3rd prize: ₦2m cash + ₦4m AWS credits + ₦1m mentorship
• 10 runner-up teams: ₦200k cash + ₦1.5m AWS credits each
• All participants receive ₦500k in AWS credits 

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: Between 14 and 45 years
• Nationality: Nigerian or any African; non-Africans are eligible if their solution targets the African market
• Must be working on a tech-enabled idea or startup
• Open to individuals, teams, startups, or SMEs across all challenge themes 

Application Date

• Applications opened: June 10, 2025
  
  

Application Deadline

• Closes: Sunday, 20 July 2025
• Online pitches begin: Wednesday, 30 July 2025 

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Duration of Program or Opportunity

• Key dates:
  
  
  • Application window: 10 June – 20 July 2025
  • Online pitching: starts 30 July 2025
    
    
• Additional phases (e.g., mentorship and announcement) likely follow pitching
  
  

Application Process

1. Apply online via the Startup Abuja challenge portal (link in official announcement). Submit your tech solution (startup or prototype).
2. Online pitching: shortlisted teams present on or after 30 July 2025.
3. Evaluation: Entries are judged on innovation, execution, and potential impact.
4. Awarding: Winners are announced post-pitching and receive their respective prizes.
   
   

Application Website

• Primary source: Startup Abuja Innovation Challenge/Hackathon page via CedHER Global cedherglobal.com
  
  
• Secondary details & application links:
  
  
  
  • AWS partner info on NextBillion nextbillion.net

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