Written by Do you have a business that deserves more visibility, funding and access to the right people? Here is an opportunity to put it in front of investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
The Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027 has opened applications, offering one successful founder a cash prize of ₦1.5 million.
The competition will select five entrepreneurs to pitch their businesses live at the Learnstar Creative Summit 2027 in Lagos. The eventual winner will be announced during the event’s Grand Finale on 20 February 2027.
For early-stage founders and entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses, the challenge offers more than the possibility of winning cash. It also provides an opportunity to showcase a business, sharpen its pitch and gain exposure within Nigeria’s creative and business ecosystem.
Applications close on 15 December 2026.
- What is the Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027?
- What does the winning founder receive?
- Who can apply for the Learnstar Startup Challenge?
- How will the competition work?
- When and where will the Learnstar Creative Summit 2027 hold?
- Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027: Important dates
- How to apply for the ₦1.5 million Learnstar Startup Challenge
What is the Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027?
The Learnstar Startup Challenge is a business pitch competition organised as part of the Learnstar Creative Summit 2027. The summit brings together founders, creatives, investors, business leaders and other professionals to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation and the creative economy.
As part of the competition, five selected founders will be invited to pitch their businesses live on the Summit’s Exchange stage. They will present their businesses to an audience and judging panel, with one founder emerging as the winner of the ₦1.5 million prize.
The competition is designed to give promising entrepreneurs a platform to demonstrate what they are building and connect with people who can potentially support their growth.
What does the winning founder receive?
The headline reward is a ₦1,500,000 cash prize for the winning founder.
Beyond the financial reward, being selected among the five finalists offers an opportunity to:
- Present your business to a live audience.
- Gain visibility among investors, entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
- Showcase your product, service or business model.
- Build useful connections within the creative and business ecosystem.
- Gain experience pitching your business before an audience and judges.
The prize could help a small business purchase equipment, increase inventory, improve marketing or finance a specific growth initiative.
However, the organisers should be consulted for the full terms and conditions governing the prize and its disbursement.
Who can apply for the Learnstar Startup Challenge?
The challenge is aimed at business founders and entrepreneurs interested in presenting their ventures at the Learnstar Creative Summit.
The organisers’ publicly available information does not provide a complete breakdown of eligibility conditions, such as minimum business age, registration status, turnover requirements or specific sector restrictions.
Interested founders should therefore review the official application form carefully before submitting their entries.
If you are building a business and can clearly explain the problem it solves, the customers it serves and its growth potential, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
How will the competition work?
The competition follows a selection and live-pitch format.
Here is what applicants can expect:
1. Submit an application
Interested founders must complete the online application form through the official Learnstar competitions page.
2. Five founders will be selected
The organisers will select five entrepreneurs from the applications received to participate in the live pitch competition.
3. Pitch your business in Lagos
The selected founders will present their businesses live on the Exchange stage at the Learnstar Creative Summit.
4. One winner receives ₦1.5 million
The winning founder will be announced during the Summit’s Grand Finale on 20 February 2027.
When and where will the Learnstar Creative Summit 2027 hold?
The Learnstar Creative Summit 2027 is scheduled to hold on 19 and 20 February 2027 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The two-day programme will bring together entrepreneurs, creatives, investors and industry professionals.
The main Summit takes place on 20 February, while the invitation-only Creative Capital Forum is scheduled for 19 February.
According to the organisers, general registration for the main Summit is free, although seats are limited. Separate paid access is available for the Deal Room, which is designed to facilitate connections with investors, venture capital firms and fund managers.
The Startup Challenge’s five finalists will pitch on 20 February.
Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027: Important dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 15 December 2026 |
| Learnstar Creative Summit | 19–20 February 2027 |
| Live startup pitches | 20 February 2027 |
| Winner announcement | 20 February 2027 |
How to apply for the ₦1.5 million Learnstar Startup Challenge
Interested entrepreneurs can apply online through the official Learnstar Creative Summit competitions page.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official competitions page.
- Locate the Learnstar Startup Challenge.
- Open the application form and review the eligibility requirements.
- Provide the requested information about yourself and your business.
- Complete and submit the application before the deadline.
Application link: Apply for the Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027
Application deadline: 15 December 2026.
Applicants should use the official website to confirm the requirements and any additional information requested by the organisers.