The Federal Government has officially launched the Startup Support and Engagement Portal, a crucial part of implementing the Nigeria Startup Act. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, proudly shared this news, emphasizing the portal’s role in identifying and gathering Nigerian startups, venture capital firms, hubs, and innovation centers.
This portal isn’t just a digital space; it’s a gateway for startups to connect and receive support. It’s paving the way for significant discussions, as it initiates the formation of startup consultative forums. These forums will elect representatives to the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, fostering crucial conversations and unity among ecosystem players.
Dr. Tijani extended an invitation to all Nigerian startups, venture capital firms, hubs, and innovation centers to register on the portal. He eagerly anticipates collaborating with industry stakeholders to ensure full implementation of the Startup Act, aiming to boost our innovation ecosystem. He tagged NITDA Nigeria in his call for participation.
This exciting announcement arrives a year after the Startup Act became law under the former President, Muhammadu Buhari. Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, the former Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari for Digital Transformation and lead on the Nigeria Start Up Bill, echoed support for this initiative. He stressed the importance of collaboration for sustainable policy development, emphasizing the need for ongoing engagement from all beneficiaries.
Below is the registration process for startups:
- Visit http://startup.gov.ng
- Scroll down the page to reveal the options for Startups, Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists or Accelerators, Innovation Hubs & Incubators.
- Select Startups
Criteria to enroll:
- Be a limited liability company registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).
- Be a company existing for less than 10 years from the date of incorporation.
- Have objects that are focused on innovation, development, production, improvement, and commercialization of a digital technology innovative product or process.
- Be a holder or repository of a product or process of digital technology or the owner or author of a registered software.
- Have at least one-third of local shareholding held by one or more Nigerians as founder or co-founder of the startup.
- Satisfy the conditions set out in the Act, in the case of a sole proprietorship or partnership.
- Be a tech-enabled business that uses existing tools, platforms, libraries, and frameworks to make a company or a solution more efficient or effective.
4. Enter the following details:
- RC Number (Unique CAC identification number)
- Company Name
- Year of Incorporation
- Industry (type)
- Media
- Start Up description
- Company Email
- Company Address
- Company website
- Founder’s Full Name
- First Name + Last Name
- Founder’s Email Address
- Founder’s Phone Number
- Founder’s means of Identification (BVN or NIN)
5. Then Submit
