Apply Now: Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027 Offers ₦1.5 Million Prize
Entrepreneurs and startup founders across Africa can now apply for the Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027, a business pitch competition offering a ₦1.5 million cash prize to the winning founder.
Organised as part of the Learnstar Creative Summit 2027, the competition will select five promising founders to showcase their businesses before a live audience and a panel of judges in Lagos, Nigeria.
The initiative is designed to provide emerging businesses with funding opportunities, industry exposure and access to a network of entrepreneurs, investors and other key players in the business ecosystem.
The five selected finalists will pitch their ventures live on the Creative Exchange stage during the Learnstar Creative Summit, with the overall winner receiving the ₦1.5 million award.
Applications are currently open and will close on December 15, 2026.
About the Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027
The Learnstar Startup Challenge is a business competition created to spotlight promising startups and entrepreneurs building solutions with growth potential.
The competition forms part of the Learnstar Creative Summit, a two-day gathering scheduled to bring together more than 3,000 creatives, founders, investors and industry professionals to explore innovation, entrepreneurship, business development and opportunities within Africa’s creative economy.
Through the challenge, selected founders will have the opportunity to present their businesses, demonstrate their products or services and compete for financial support to advance their ventures.
What Does the Winning Startup Receive?
The competition offers a ₦1,500,000 cash prize to the successful founder.
In addition to the financial award, the five shortlisted entrepreneurs will benefit from the opportunity to:
Pitch their businesses before a live audience and judging panel.
Showcase their products, services and business models.
Gain visibility among investors, entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
Build valuable connections within the business and creative sectors.
Present their growth potential to potential partners and supporters.
The competition provides an opportunity for emerging founders to gain recognition and attract attention to their businesses.
Who Can Apply?
The Learnstar Startup Challenge is targeted at entrepreneurs and founders with existing businesses or startups they want to develop and scale.
Startups operating in sectors connected to the creative economy may find the opportunity particularly relevant. These include:
Media and content creation.
Music and entertainment.
Fashion and lifestyle.
Financial technology (FinTech).
Education technology (EdTech).
Healthcare.
Agriculture and related innovations.
Other innovative business sectors.
Interested applicants should review the official application form for the organisers’ specific eligibility conditions and submission requirements.
How Will the Competition Work?
The competition will follow a selection and live-pitch format:
Application: Interested founders submit their applications through the official Learnstar competition portal.
Shortlisting: The organisers select five founders from the applications received.
Live pitching: The selected entrepreneurs present their businesses on the Creative Exchange stage in Lagos.
Winner announcement: One founder emerges as the winner and receives the ₦1.5 million cash prize.
When and Where Will the Learnstar Creative Summit Hold?
The Learnstar Creative Summit 2027 is scheduled for February 19–20, 2027, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The two-day event will feature discussions, networking opportunities, industry presentations and business-focused sessions.
The five selected startup founders will pitch their ventures on February 20, 2027, during the event’s Grand Finale.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | December 15, 2026 |
| Learnstar Creative Summit | February 19–20, 2027 |
| Startup finalists’ live pitches | February 20, 2027 |
| Winner announcement | February 20, 2027 |
How to Apply for the Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027
Interested entrepreneurs and startup founders can submit their applications online through the official Learnstar Creative Summit competition portal.
Applicants should visit the website, locate the Learnstar Startup Challenge, click the application link and provide the requested information about their businesses.
Application link: Apply for the Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027.
Application deadline: December 15, 2026.
Founders interested in competing for the ₦1.5 million prize are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
