Applications are now open for the ACE Startup Academy 2026, a founder training and startup pitch programme designed to help aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into investment-ready businesses.
The programme is organized in partnership with KOICA, SMEDAN, ACE Center, and the Soongsil University Consortium, offering participants hands-on training, mentorship, incubation, and funding opportunities.
Program Highlights
Successful participants will receive:
-Intensive founder training on business models, AI, and startup development
Expert mentorship and hands-on support
Opportunity to compete for $15,000 in total prize funding
Six-month incubation programme
Investor readiness and investment matching support
Opportunity to receive an investment matching grant of up to $20,000
Demo Day participation
Opportunity for a Korea Innovation & Research (IR) Trip
Daily allowance during training
Lunch provided
Access to devices and internet
AI tools and credits
Certificate of completion
Prize Awards
Participants will compete for a $15,000 prize pool, including:
Grand Prize: $5,000
Second & Third Prizes: $3,000–$2,000
Merit & Special Awards: $1,000–$500
Beyond the prize — investment matching
Investment Matching Fund
When a top team secures real external investment, we add a matching grant on top — scaled to the round — to accelerate early scale-up.
You raise
$20,000
+ $10,000 matching grant
You raise
$50,000
+ $20,000 matching grant
Up to +$20,000 additional support
Applicants must:
Be aspiring or early-stage founders.
Apply as a team of 2–3 members.
Be available to participate in the programme in Abuja.
Register on a first-come, first-served basis.
Venue
SMEDAN Garki Office, Abuja
Application Period
31 July – 12 August 2026
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply through the Official application portal using the Link provided 👉 Here
