The South East Development Commission has announced the successful completion of the first phase of the South East Venture Capital Program (SEVCP) Pitch Competition.
Following a rigorous and structured evaluation process, the Commission says 210 startups have advanced to the next stage from a pool of over 1,200 applications received across South East Nigeria, which includes 128 startups in the Incubator Track and 82 startups in the Accelerator Track.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director Finance Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, the Capital Program 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.
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.
The competition will culminate in a Grand Finale scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026, where top- performing startups will present their ventures before a live audience of investors, operators, policymakers, and other key stakeholders within the innovation ecosystem.
The South East Development Commission however pledged commitment towards building a strong pipeline of investable ventures, strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem, and creating pathways for startups to scale sustainably.
