STUDENT VENTURE CAPITAL GRANT SVCG INITIATIVE

What Is This Policy?

A Federal Government initiative providing up to N50 million in equity-free grants to student-led innovative ventures in STEMM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences) at Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Who Does It Target?

Nigerian students enrolled in accredited tertiary institutions (universities, polytechnics, colleges of education), at 300-level and above, with innovative STEMM projects.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Transform student-driven ideas into commercially viable ventures, cultivate the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs, promote job creation, and drive technological advancement.

Key Features

N50 Million Equity-Free Grants: Up to N50 million seed investment with no repayment or equity dilution required STEMM Focus: Targets ventures in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences Incubation and Mentorship: Comprehensive support including intensive incubation and world-class mentorship Google Partnership: AI-powered evaluation using Google Gemini; one-year free Gemini Pro license for applicants National Innovation Gallery: All submitted projects visible in a national gallery for peers, investors, and partners Bank of Industry Partnership: BoI ensures accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes in disbursement

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active; portal opened November 2025, applications close January 2026 Coverage: All 36 states and FCT; all accredited tertiary institutions Lead Agency: Federal Ministry of Education and National Skills Council Partners: Google, Bank of Industry (BoI) Funding: Federal Government through the Renewed Hope Agenda

How to Access

Apply through the official portal at svcg.education.gov.ng. Requirements: currently enrolled student at 300-level or above in accredited institution, CAC-registered business name, clear business plan with expenditure milestones and KPIs, project beyond proof-of-concept stage in STEMM field.

Important Terms

Grant is equity-free; no repayment required Disbursement is milestone-based Projects must be beyond proof-of-concept stage Both individual and team applications accepted Public and private institution students eligible

Impact & Metrics

Described as the boldest government intervention in student entrepreneurship, aiming to discover future Nigerian unicorns and position Nigeria as a hub for home-grown technological solutions.

Official Resources

Website: svcg.education.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Education; [email protected]

Legal Framework

Implemented under the authority of the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Finance. Draws on the National Youth Policy, the Science Technology and Innovation Policy, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Establishment, Etc.) Act 2011. The initiative aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and the Startup Act framework aimed at fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship in tertiary institutions.