Meta AI Academy Nigeria Startup Pitchathon 2026

Overview The Meta AI Academy Nigeria Startup Pitchathon invited Nigerian startups building with artificial intelligence to submit their solutions for assessment. The initiative involved Meta, the 3 Million Technical Talent programme, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria. Pitch and awards Ten shortlisted startups were expected to pitch at GITEX Nigeria on 3 September 2026. Two winners were each offered US$5,000 in cash funding, Meta advertising credits and an all-expenses-paid opportunity to pitch at the AI Summit by Meta in Istanbul in November 2026. Who it was for Nigerian founders and startup teams with an AI-enabled product, prototype or working solution that could be demonstrated and presented to judges and ecosystem partners. Deadline The application closed on 21 August 2026. The original Meta application page now restricts access, so the original Meta application page is no longer publicly accessible. The Details link points to a dated opportunity archive that preserves the programme requirements and awards.

Applicants needed to be Nigerian startup founders or teams building a meaningful AI-powered solution. Shortlisted applicants had to be available to pitch publicly at GITEX Nigeria and provide the founder, team, product and contact information requested in the application. A concise pitch deck, working demonstration or product link, and evidence of progress or traction would strengthen the submission.