Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators Across Africa
We support Early Stage Startups
with mentorship, funding opportunities, and a powerful ecosystem, designed to help founders build scalable impactful solutions.
Join a community of visionary entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts shaping the future of innovation.
Apply Now
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators Across Africa
We support Early Stage Startups
with mentorship, funding opportunities, and a powerful ecosystem, designed to help founders build scalable impactful solutions.
Join a community of visionary entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts shaping the future of innovation.
Apply Now

ABOUT US

Mission

To incubate and support early-stage startups in Northern Nigeria by providing structured mentorship, training, and access to resources that transform innovative ideas into scalable businesses.

Vision

To position Northern Nigeria as a leading hub for technology-driven entrepreneurship by empowering young innovators and fostering a resilient startup ecosystem.

Program Objectives :

  • Support 200 idea-stage startups across Northern Nigeria.
  • Provide mentorship, training, and startup development resources.
  • Strengthen regional innovation and collaboration between hubs.
  • Improve access to funding and investor readiness for early-stage startups.

Impact Metrics :

Startups incubated
0 +
Entrepreneurs trained
0 +

Program Structure

Stage 1

Application & Selection
Startups apply through the PitchStar online portal. Selected founders are chosen based on innovation potential, market relevance, and commitment to the program.
Duration: 2 weeks

Stage 2

PitchStar Bootcamp
Selected startups participate in an intensive training program covering:
Business model development
Market research
Financial literacy
Branding and storytelling
Pitch development
Duration: 4–6 weeks

Stage 3

Mentorship & Product Development
Startups receive guidance from experienced mentors and ecosystem experts to refine their product, validate their market, and develop their Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
Duration: 6–8 weeks

Stage 4

Demo Day
Startups present their ideas and MVPs to investors, ecosystem partners, and industry experts.

Outcome
Exposure to investors
Networking opportunities
Potential funding pathways

Stage 5

PitchStar Alumni Network
Graduated startups join the PitchStar Alumni community where they receive:
Continued mentorship
Networking opportunities
Access to partner programs and funding opportunities and FMCG products.

Eligibility Criteria

Startups applying for PitchStar should:

  1. Be idea-stage or early-stage startups less than 2 years old.
  2. Have at least one committed founder operating within innovation-driven sectors.
  3. Be based in or solving problems relevant to Northern Nigeria.

PitchStar supports startups working in:

  1. Fintech
  2. Health-tech
  3. Clean-tech
  4. Education
  5. Logistics
  6. Media

FAQS

PitchStar is a platform designed to nurture startups in Northern Nigeria to create, innovate and provide solutions our ecosystem needs to thrive.

Applications are on cohorts and are announced on our social media @startupkano