GrantPilot does not give out this funding; Learnstar Creative Summit does. We help you find it, check it is real and get ready to apply.
The Learnstar Startup Challenge awards a ₦1,500,000 grant to an early-stage creative-economy startup. Apply with a short online form (startup name, sector, one-line pitch and contact details) by 15 December 2026. Five finalists pitch live at the Learnstar Creative Summit in Lagos, and the winner is announced on 20 February 2027.
A pitch competition for founders, held at the Learnstar Creative Summit 2027 in Lagos. Five shortlisted founders pitch live to a judging panel and audience on the summit's Creative Exchange stage, and the winner receives ₦1,500,000. The winner is announced on the main stage on 20 February 2027. Applications close on 15 December 2026.
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Open to early-stage startups in the creative economy. The application form lists these sectors: Fintech, Edtech, Media & Content, Fashion, Music, Health, Agritech and Other. Five finalists pitch in person at the Learnstar Creative Summit in Lagos on 20 February 2027.
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A panel of industry judges reviews all applications against criteria such as traction, market potential and clarity of pitch. The top five founders are invited to pitch live on 20 February 2027 at the summit; the winner receives ₦1.5 million. All applicants are notified of shortlist status by early December.
What reviewers look for
Yes, applications are judged independently and you may submit to both.
No, the competition is free to apply.
The winner is announced live on the main stage on 20 February 2027.
Judges shortlist five founders based on the submitted pitch deck and business information; those founders pitch live at the summit.
Late submissions are not accepted; the deadline is strict.
Guide written from the official programme page on 30 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.
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