The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has announced the completion of the first phase of its South East Venture Capital Programme (SEVCP) Pitch Competition, with 210 startups advancing to the next stage of the selection process.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Commission said the shortlisted startups were drawn from more than 1,200 applications submitted across the South East region.
The Executive Director, Finance and Chairman of the programme, Stanley Ohajuruka, said the selected firms include 128 startups under the Incubator Track and 82 in the Accelerator Track.
He noted that the selection process followed a detailed and structured evaluation system designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency.
According to the Commission, applications were screened for eligibility, including demonstrable ties to the South East, a meaningful technology component, and compliance with submission requirements.
Eligible startups were assessed based on criteria such as problem–solution fit, execution capacity, market opportunity, and technology strength, while more advanced ventures were evaluated on traction and revenue performance. Early-stage startups were judged on validation and emerging demand indicators.
The Commission said the startups advancing to the next phase demonstrated strong potential for scalability, clarity of vision, and measurable progress.
They will now proceed to a video pitch assessment stage designed to evaluate founder capability, strategic thinking, and execution readiness.
The competition is expected to culminate in a grand finale on Monday, May 25, 2026, where selected startups will present their ventures to investors, policymakers, and ecosystem stakeholders.
This will be followed by an investment ceremony on May 26, 2026, where top-performing startups will receive funding and structured support to scale their businesses.
Reaffirming its commitment to regional development, the SEDC said it aims to build a strong pipeline of investable ventures and strengthen the South East innovation ecosystem.
The Commission also acknowledged ecosystem partners, including Genesys Tech Hub, Startup South, and The Garage, for supporting the evaluation process.
