The Federal Government Student Venture Capital Grant, also known as S-VCG is a new Nigerian government initiative designed to support and empower student-led innovation and entrepreneurship within 300 level students enrolled in tertiary institutions. It offers equity-free grants of up to ₦50 million to students with commercially viable, scalable projects in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medical sciences (STEMM) fields. Aside from funding, successful applicants also gain access to mentorship, incubation programs, innovation tools, and networks to help turn their ideas into real businesses.
About S-VCG
The Federal Government Student Venture Capital Grant was newly launched by the Federal Ministry of Education as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which is meant to place education at the heart of Nigeria’s development strategy – recognising it as the foundation for economic growth, innovation, and social stability. The S-VC grant is up to ₦50 million, and any eligible Nigerian entrepreneur can apply for a chance to turn their idea into a real business. This grant aims to deepen research commercialisation, boost student entrepreneurship, and nurture the next generation of Nigerian innovators.
Benefits
The SVCG ensures ventures successfully transition into market-ready enterprises by providing them with the following:
- Equity-Free Funding: ₦50 million in equity-free grants.
- Intensive Incubation: Absorption into structured programs designed to refine and validate business models.
- Expert Mentorship
- Resource Access
- Google Gemini Pro License: Every applicant who successfully submits a project will receive a one year free Google Gemini Pro license, along with premium learning resources.
Eligibility
The following are the criteria one must meet to be eligible for the SVC grant:
- Nigerian student currently enrolled in an accredited tertiary institution
- Be in level 300 and above (UNLESS you are applying as a team and have another member at that level)
- Capable of solving critical national or global challenges through the venture.
- Submitted proposal must demonstrate clear potential for scale and commercialization.
- have a project that falls within the STEMM fields;
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Medical sciences
How to apply
All interested individuals/teams are to complete the online application form and submit all required materials there before the portal closes. (Website link is provided below)
Required documents
- Proof of Student Status
- Detailed Project Proposal: A comprehensive document outlining the problem, solution, market relevance, and scalability plan (focusing on the STEMM field).
- Team Composition: Information on the core founding team and their roles.
Application deadline
Applications are currently ongoing, but the deadline has not been specified yet.
Learn more at Federal Government Student Venture Capital Grant website.
