By Oluuwakemi Kindness
The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has selected 25 startups for funding, mentorship, and investor access under its inaugural South East Venture Capital Program (SEVCP), aimed at driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth across the South East.
The announcement followed the conclusion of the programme’s pitch competition, which attracted startups operating in sectors including healthcare, artificial intelligence, clean energy, agriculture, fintech, mobility, legal technology, logistics, education technology, and public infrastructure innovation.
The SEVCP is structured into two categories: the Incubator Track for early-stage startups and the Accelerator Track for businesses with proven market traction and scalable business models.
Following a competitive selection process involving investors, business executives, ecosystem leaders, and industry experts, 10 startups emerged from the Incubator Track, while 15 startups secured places in the Accelerator Track.
Speaking on the initiative, Mark Okoye II, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South East Development Commission, said the programme reflects the Commission’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs capable of creating jobs, attracting investment, and accelerating industrialisation in the region.
He described the South East Venture Capital Program as a long-term economic development strategy designed to unlock entrepreneurial potential and strengthen the pipeline of investment-ready businesses emerging from the South East.
According to SEDC, selected startups will receive financial support, mentorship, business advisory services, investor access, technical assistance, and growth opportunities to help them scale sustainably.
The Commission noted that while the accelerator segment was initially designed to support 20 startups, only 15 winners were selected from the 25 finalists that pitched before the judging panel.
It explained that the adjustment was made to preserve the competitiveness, quality threshold, and integrity of the programme’s selection process.
Incubator Track Winners
Health Vault NG Ltd, VIBET BIO, Wattmuse Energy, KoboTrac, Simsak, Growdex, Farmi AI Ltd, CNG Protect, Linia Finance, and Keke Ride.
Accelerator Track Winners
Ondigo Technologies Limited, Skilladder, KIRA AI Limited, RapidMedicare Limited, SmartAirs, Bra-X, Stur Africa, Nigenius, SpaceOps, FLOF CO, Case Radar, Smart Transport Grid Ltd (STRAG), 8Bit Digital Systems Limited, Climax Green (Agrofuxion), and Afiari.
SEDC reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with venture capital firms, development institutions, innovation hubs, academic institutions, and corporate organisations to deepen entrepreneurial opportunities and foster innovation-driven growth across the South East.
The Commission described the programme as the beginning of a broader strategy to build a more prosperous and globally competitive regional economy through strategic investment in talent, technology, and entrepreneurship
