ACE Startup Academy 2026 ·Unknown

Startup Opportunity: ACE Startup Academy 2026 (Abuja, Nigeria)

The ACE Startup Academy 2026 is now open for applications—an exciting, fully funded programme designed to take founders from idea to investment. If you’re an aspiring or early-stage entrepreneur in Abuja, this is a high-impact opportunity to build, refine, and scale your startup.

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Programme Overview

• 📍 Location: Abuja
• 👥 Team Requirement: 2–3 founders per team
• 🪑 Slots Available: 120 participants
• 📅 Application Window: July 30 – August 12, 2026

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What You Get

• 💡 Hands-on Business Model & AI training
• 🏆 $15,000 Pitch Competition (all finalists rewarded)
• 💰 Matching grant up to $20,000
• 🧑‍🏫 6-month startup incubation & mentorship
• 🌏 International exposure – Korea Investor Relations (IR) trip
• 🤝 Access to investors, networks, and deal-matching opportunities

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Programme Journey (Aug 2026 – Mar 2027)

1️⃣ Founder Training (Aug 24 – Sep 18)

• Intensive hands-on sessions (Business Model + AI)
• 60 hours of practical, project-based learning

2️⃣ Pitch Competition (Oct 7 – Oct 12)

• ~50 teams compete → 10 finalists
• Total prize pool: $15,000

3️⃣ Business Incubation (Oct – Mar 2027)

• 6 months of mentorship and startup development
• Focus on scaling MVPs and refining business models

4️⃣ Korea IR Trip (Dec 7 – Dec 12)

• 1 member per team travels to Korea
• Attend global startup events and network with investors

5️⃣ IR Mentoring & Demo Day (Dec)

• Pitch deck refinement
• Final investor presentations and funding opportunities

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Programme Partners

Organized by Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria in partnership with Korea International Cooperation Agency, ensuring strong local and international support.

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Who Should Apply

• Early-stage or idea-stage founders
• Startups ready to scale
• Teams based in Abuja
• Entrepreneurs serious about securing funding and growth

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Apply Now

Apply for ACE Startup Academy 2026⁠