ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Are you a Nigerian startup or developer building an innovative solution with Meta’s AI technologies?
Apply to the AI Academy Nigeria Pitchathon for an opportunity to pitch your solution live at GITEX Nigeria, connect with investors and ecosystem leaders, and compete for $5,000 in equity-free funding.
What is AI Academy Nigeria?
AI Academy Nigeria is a multi-track AI capacity-building program by Meta, in partnership with 3MTT, Nigeria’s national digital talent initiative under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), and delivered by Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN).
The program equips Nigerian developers, startups, students, and early-career professionals with practical AI skills through startup support, self-paced learning, and intensive technical training.
What is the AI Academy Nigeria Pitchathon?
The Pitchathon is the first of three tracks under AI Academy Nigeria. It is designed for Nigerian startups and teams with an early-stage AI idea, working solution, or product built using Meta’s AI technologies.
Shortlisted participants will pitch their innovations live at GITEX Nigeria. The top two pitchathon winners will each receive US$5,000 in equity-free funding, Meta ad credits alongside an opportunity to pitch at a regional level at Meta’s AI Summit in Istanbul, Turkiye in November 2026.
Who can apply?
Applications are open to Nigerian developers, startups, and teams building AI solutions using Meta’s AI technologies.
The Pitchathon is intended for teams with an early-stage AI idea or a working AI product.
What happens after I apply?
Applications will go through a competitive selection process. Ten successful applicants will be invited to pitch their innovations live at GITEX Nigeria.
What are the benefits of participating?
Selected startups will have the opportunity to:
• Pitch live at GITEX Nigeria
• Gain exposure to investors and the broader innovation ecosystem
• Compete for equity-free funding and Meta advertising credits
• Be considered for participation in Meta’s Regional AI Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye in November 2026
What do the winning startups receive?
The top two pitchathon winners will each receive:
• US$5,000 in equity-free funding
• Meta advertising credits
• An invitation to attend Meta’s Regional AI Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye, in November 2026
