By Gloria Ikibah
The South East Development Commission has moved 210 startups into the next phase of its venture capital programme, marking a major step in its push to boost innovation and enterprise across the region.
The shortlist emerged from a pool of more than 1,200 applications submitted by entrepreneurs from across the South East, reflecting growing interest in technology-driven business solutions. 
In a statement signed by the Executive Director, Finance and Chairman of the programme, Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, the selected group includes 128 startups placed in the Incubator Track and 82 in the Accelerator Track, each targeting different stages of business development.
He said the selection followed a rigorous and structured screening process designed to ensure only the most viable and scalable ideas progressed.
The Commission described the outcome as a significant milestone in its broader strategy to nurture innovation, support emerging businesses and strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
It also pointed to the strong quality and volume of applications as evidence of a rising wave of enterprise, particularly in sectors driven by technology and innovation.
Strict evaluation benchmarks were applied throughout the process, with emphasis placed on transparency, credibility and maintaining high standards as the programme advances.
The statement read:“The evaluation process was designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and alignment with the objectives of the program. Applications were first screened for eligibility, including demonstrable ties to the South East, the presence of a meaningful technology component, and full compliance with submission requirements.
“Eligible startups were then assessed across key criteria such as problem–solution fit, execution, market opportunity, and technology. For more advanced ventures, traction and revenue were critical considerations, while early-stage startups were evaluated based on validation and evidence of emerging demand.”
The Commission said the startups that made it to the next stage showed strong potential for growth and scalability.
“The startups advancing to this stage have demonstrated clarity of thought, tangible progress, and credible potential for scale. They now proceed to the next phase of the competition, which will involve a video pitch assessment designed to provide deeper insight into founder capability, strategic thinking, and execution readiness”, it added.
The Commission further announced that the competition will climax in May with a grand finale and investment ceremony.
“The competition will culminate in a Grand Finale scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026, where top- performing startups will present their ventures before a live audience of investors, operators, policymakers, and other key stakeholders within the innovation ecosystem.
“This will be followed by an Investment Ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, where selected startups will receive funding and enter the next phase of structured support under the SEVCP.
“The South East Development Commission remains committed to building a strong pipeline of investable ventures, strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem, and creating pathways for startups to scale sustainably.
“We extend our appreciation to all founders who applied and to our ecosystem partners, Genesys Tech Hub, Startup South, and The Garage, for their role in supporting a credible and high-quality evaluation process. The work continues,” it stated.
