For Universities

Innovation for Universities

Growing Future Global Companies Empower Tomorrow’s Innovators, Today

At the Nigerian Capital Development Fund (NCDF), we believe universities are more than academic institutions — they are engines of innovation, centres of excellence, and launchpads for the enterprises of tomorrow.
Through our Fortune Entrepreneur Programme for Nigerian Universities, NCDF partners with universities across Nigeria to identify, incubate, and finance entrepreneurial ideas from students and faculty — converting campus research and creativity into scalable, investment-ready ventures.

Key Components of the Programme

On-Campus Incubation Hubs

Establish innovation labs and entrepreneurship centres in partnership with universities to provide space, mentorship, and resources for startup development.

Startup Funding Access

Provide seed funding and early-stage venture capital for student- and faculty-led enterprises aligned with national development goals.

Business Plan Competitions & Demo Days

Host campus-wide and national pitch competitions, giving young founders visibility, feedback, and investor access.

Mentorship & Industry Fellowships

Connect students with leading entrepreneurs, executives, and venture mentors for real-world exposure and skills transfer.

Internship & Commercialisation Pipelines

Facilitate pathways for students to intern with NCDF-backed startups and convert research innovations into viable businesses.

Why It Matters

From research to revenue — we help universities shape the next generation of global companies.

Universities are brimming with untapped potential. With the right structure, capital, and partnerships, we believe Nigerian campuses can become global launchpads for innovative enterprises solving real-world problems.

Partner With Us

Are you a university administrator, faculty leader, or a member of a student innovation group? Join us in transforming Nigerian universities into entrepreneurial ecosystems that deliver real solutions — and real jobs.