The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has empowered three promising tech start-ups with a total grant of N13 million as part of its ongoing effort to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. The winners emerged from a competitive pitch session held during the fourth edition of the bank’s annual Techpreneur Summit, which took place on Thursday in Lagos.
This year’s summit, themed “CTRL+SHIFT: Tech Empowered Movement for Naija,” attracted seven start-ups, each showcasing bold and transformative ideas. After a rigorous evaluation by a panel of top industry experts, BuyScrap, an e-waste technology start-up, emerged winner, receiving N6 million. QiqiFarms, an agritech innovator, came second with a N4 million grant, while Ecocyclers, a plastic waste-to-resource start-up based in Enugu, secured third place and received N3 million.
In his opening address, DBN’s Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, described the Techpreneur Summit as more than an event, it is a movement. “Our theme this year, CTRL+SHIFT, represents a bold pivot , a strategic reset powered by technology to reimagine and rebuild the future of business in Nigeria,” he said. He noted that the summit embodies the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and Nigerian resilience.
Dr. Okpanachi highlighted DBN’s commitment to the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) since its establishment in 2017. He emphasized that through innovative financing models, capacity-building, and the promotion of technology-driven entrepreneurship, DBN continues to support Nigeria’s MSMEs in building a sustainable and inclusive economy.
Delivering the keynote address, Solape Akinpelu, Co-founder and CEO of HerVest, urged the Nigerian government to prioritise investment in technology as a fundamental driver of economic growth. She argued that tech must be positioned as a key tool in bridging the country’s social and economic gaps. Akinpelu also noted that Nigeria, with its youth-driven population and innovation potential, has a vital role to play in leading Africa’s digital transformation.
The DBN Techpreneur Summit 4.0 underscored the crucial link between technology and entrepreneurship and highlighted how strategic funding, mentorship, and innovation can reshape the economic narrative for young Nigerian founders. With initiatives like this, DBN continues to demonstrate that empowering start-ups isn’t just about capital, it’s about catalysing a new vision for national development anchored in innovation.
