NigComSat Ltd. today kicked off the second phase of its Accelerator Programme—dubbed “Innovation in Orbit: Empowering the Next Generation of Space‑Tech Entrepreneurs”—aimed at fast‑tracking Nigerian startups that harness satellite and space‑based technologies for real‑world challenges.
At a launch event in Abuja, Programme Coordinator Maureen Nzekwe revealed that the 2024 cohort drew 281 applications, with 35 ventures advancing to the October 2025 Demo Day. “We’re seeing a welcome surge in female‑led startups,” Nzekwe noted, underscoring the accelerator’s commitment to gender inclusion in science and innovation.
This year’s programme will focus on applications spanning agriculture, healthcare, climate resilience, education, robotics, logistics and digital infrastructure. Over the next four months, the 35 selected teams will undergo onboarding on June 20, followed by a rigorous schedule of capacity‑building workshops, one‑on‑one mentorship, technical product support and business strategy sessions. The final capstone: investor matchmaking and a Demo Day where entrepreneurs pitch to financiers, policymakers and global partners.
“Our goal is to nurture viable tech solutions and position Nigeria as a serious player in the global space economy,” said NigComSat CEO Jane Egerton‑Idehen. “By equipping home‑grown innovators with access to satellite data and expertise, we’re laying the groundwork for sustainable national development.”
The Accelerator runs in partnership with NASRDA, private‑sector investors and innovation ecosystem leaders. Last year’s programme saw 20 startups compete, with BetaLife taking top honours, followed by InnoviaLab and Agroxchange for their pioneering work in health diagnostics, remote‑sensing analytics and agricultural supply chains, respectively.
With “Innovation in Orbit,” NigComSat aims to translate satellite capabilities into solutions that improve crop yields, expand telemedicine, bolster disaster response and bridge Nigeria’s digital divide—an ambitious blueprint for building tomorrow’s space‑tech champions today.