FG Opens Application for N50m Student Venture Capital Grant: How Nigerian Students Can Apply
The Federal Government has launched a major funding window for young innovators in higher institutions, offering up to N50 million equity-free support for student-owned ventures. The scheme is called the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), and the portal is now open.
The idea behind S-VCG is simple: help serious student entrepreneurs take their science or technology ideas from campus level to full business level. The programme covers the 36 states plus the FCT, so every school has a chance.
The government is only supporting projects that fall under STEMM – that means anything tied to science, tech, engineering, maths, or medical innovation. Practical things like Agri-tech, AI tools, health devices, data solutions, software, machinery, and similar ventures.
Where to apply
The official application link is: https://svcg.education.gov.ng
Students will need to:
1. Submit their venture
You upload your business details, pitch video, and how much funding you’re seeking.
2. Wait for the review
Your submission will be screened by different reviewers. Even if you don’t get picked immediately, the portal still keeps your project visible for future opportunities.
3. Work on your idea if shortlisted
Those who scale the first stage will go through a validation process to improve the business model and strengthen the solution.
4. Funding drops in milestones
If approved, the grant won’t come at once. You receive it gradually as you hit specific milestones during incubation.
Early applicants will also get one-year free access to Google Gemini Pro & Advanced to support their work.
How to Create Your S-VCG Account
You start by opening an account on the portal:
Enter your basic info – name, email, phone number, and NIN.
A four-digit OTP will be sent to your email.
After verifying, you complete your student profile by selecting institution type, school, department, and level.
You must also upload one proof of studentship:
School ID, admission letter, or school fees receipt (PDF or image, max 10 MB).
Once that is done, you can now access the dashboard and submit your business proposal.
Important Notes Students Should Know
• It is open to students in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education (public or private).
• Only 300-level students and above can apply as leaders, but students in lower levels can join teams.
• You don’t need an existing registered company, but your project must have a business name registered with CAC.
• You can apply as an individual or as a group.
• Your idea must have passed the “paper concept” stage; the government is looking for something already tested or showing real potential.
• Projects must strictly fall under STEMM.
For students with serious ideas, especially in tech or science, this is one of the biggest openings in recent years. If you know your project fit the criteria, now is the time to shoot your shot.
