Apply for The Pivot Challenge – Nigeria

Deadline: 12 August 2024

Are you a social innovator or change-maker in Southeast Nigeria? Join The Pivot Challenge to showcase your transformative solutions across various industries.

The Pivot Challenge aims to identify and support early-stage organizations with innovative solutions to social problems, fostering entrepreneurship and social impact in Southeastern Nigeria.

This inaugural event will mark the first-ever Pivot Challenge, aligning with The Pivot’s mission of promoting values, socioeconomic progress, and leadership accountability.

The Pivot responds to the need for a fresh perspective on the development trajectory of African communities. It focuses on engaging stakeholders in constructive dialogue and proactive problem-solving to reshape societal narratives toward prosperity, equity, and progress.

Successful applicants will be enrolled in a free two-week BootCamp, culminating in the selection of the top 5 participants who will pitch their ideas at the Pivot Conference. Winners will receive prize money, mentorship, partnerships, and other investment opportunities, contributing to the growth and sustainability of Africa’s green economy.

Target Sectors

Individuals, teams, startups, NGOs and social enterprises with early stage innovative ideas focusing on community development, social innovation or social impact in the following sectors:
- Agriculture and Food Security
  - Sustainable farming practices
  - Food production and distribution
  - Agritech innovations
- Clean Energy and Environment
  - Renewable energy solutions
  - Waste management and recycling
  - Water conservation and management
- Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
  - Women’s empowerment programs
  - Initiatives for marginalized communities
  - Social justice and human rights advocacy
- Technology and Innovation
  - Information and communication technology (ICT)
  - Startups in tech innovation
  - Digital transformation solutions
- Healthcare and Well-being
  - Access to medical services
  - Health tech solutions
  - Public health initiatives
- Economic Development and Job Creation
  - Microfinance and financial inclusion
  - Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) support
  - Job creation initiatives
- Education and Skill Development
  - E-learning platforms
  - Vocational training programs
  - Educational technology
- Infrastructure and Urban Development
  - Smart city projects
  - Affordable housing
  - Transportation and logistics
- Insecurity
  - Solutions to enhance security, Peace building, community safety initiatives, technology-driven security measures, and conflict resolution.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to participate in the Pivot Challenge, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Young Innovators
  - Applicants must be young.
- Operational Duration
  - Organizations must have been operational for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 3 years from the date of registration for the challenge.
- Business Model
  - Applicants must have a clearly defined and innovative business model that demonstrates potential for social impact and sustainability.
- Organization Portfolio
  - Organizations must provide evidence of their portfolio of work, including past projects, initiatives, or products/services developed.
- Geographical Location
  - Organizations must be in operation in the Southeastern part of Nigeria.
- Women-Led
  - Organizations with female founders or with female in leadership positions are highly encouraged to apply.