Innovate@Wigwe: The Entrepreneurship Challenge

Igniting Ideas. Empowering Founders. Building the Future.

Final Call for Application

Innovate@Wigwe is the premier annual entrepreneurship competition at Wigwe University, bringing together the brightest student minds from all colleges to pitch bold ideas, develop innovative products, and present transformative business plans. This challenge nurtures creativity, problem-solving, and business acumen, empowering a new generation of founders ready to shape Africa’s future.

The goals of Innovate@Wigwe are to:

• Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving;
• Provide a platform for students to develop and pitch business ideas;
• Support youth-led ventures that contribute to sustainable development and local economic transformation.

2. Competition Structure

Phases:

• Call for Applications: This is open to all Wigwe University undergraduate students across all the colleges, up to 5 students per team.
• Business Idea Submission: Executive summary (1–2 pages) outlining the problem, solution, market, and impact.
• Preliminary Screening: Top 10–15 teams selected.
• Mentorship Phase: Shortlisted teams receive mentoring from faculty/alumni/industry experts.
• Final Pitch Day: Teams pitch live to a panel of judges (10-15 minutes per team + Q&A).

Focus Categories:

Participants are encouraged to develop and pitch ideas that align with one of the following categories. These themes reflect the broad societal and economic challenges where student-led innovation can make a meaningful impact:

Social Impact

Focuses on ideas that address pressing social issues such as education, healthcare, inequality, and poverty. These ventures should aim to drive positive change in communities and improve lives.

• Affordable education platforms or tools
• Health tech for underserved populations
• Empowerment programs for women or youth
• Financial inclusion services for low-income earners

Tech & Innovation

Centres on disruptive or technology-driven solutions that solve real-world problems. Ideas may involve digital platforms, apps, AI, data analytics, or other emerging technologies.

• Mobile applications solving local problems
• AI-powered customer service tools
• EdTech or AgriTech platforms
• Blockchain-based transparency systems

Green/Sustainable Ventures

Targets businesses that promote environmental responsibility, sustainability, and climate-smart practices. These ventures should align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Eco-friendly packaging or recycling initiatives
• Renewable energy solutions (solar, biogas)
• Sustainable agriculture and food systems
• Green logistics and transport solutions

Creative Industries

Encourages entrepreneurial ideas in the arts, culture, media, fashion, design, and entertainment sectors. This category celebrates originality and cultural expression with commercial potential.

• African fashion brands or creative studios
• Digital content platforms for local storytelling
• Music production/distribution innovations
• Tech solutions for artists and creatives

Each team must select one category that best represents their idea. Judges will consider how well your idea addresses the needs and opportunities within that category, alongside general criteria like innovation, feasibility, and impact.

Awards:

• Cash prizes (e.g., 1st place ₦300,000; 2nd place ₦200,000; 3rd place ₦100,000)
• Seed funding to scale the business idea into a venture
• Incubation/mentorship opportunities
• Certificates and campus-wide recognition

3. Judging Criteria (100 Points Total)

4. Key Deliverables

• Annual pitch competition with faculty and industry judges.
• Partnerships with local entrepreneurs, incubators, and investors.
• Creation of a "Wigwe Startup Hall of Fame" for outstanding student ventures.

5. Timelines

• Application (June 6, 2025)
• Screening and mentorship (June 13, 2025)
• Final Pitch Day and Awards (June 25, 2025)

6. Submission

All submissions should be sent to: [email protected]

Organizer: College of Management & Social Sciences