Forge LaunchPad
Youth Entrepreneurship & AI Innovation Program
Empowering Nigerian secondary school students with real-world business skills, AI-assisted ideation, and the confidence to pitch their ideas.
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More than a competition — a transformation
Forge LaunchPad is a youth entrepreneurship and AI innovation program designed specifically for Nigerian secondary school students.
The program equips students with real-world business skills, problem-solving abilities, AI-assisted ideation techniques, and professional pitching capabilities.
In a rapidly changing economy, young Nigerians need more than traditional education. They need the confidence and skills to create their own opportunities.
LaunchPad 2024 — Where It All Began
Our inaugural edition proved that when you invest in young people, extraordinary things happen.
1st Place
₦500,000
2nd Place
₦300,000
3rd Place
₦200,000
2024 Partners & Supporters
Ikosi-Isheri LCDA
Local Government Partner
Official partnership, venue provision, and program endorsement
Princess Samiat Bada
Chairman, Ikosi-Isheri LCDA
Championed youth development and provided council hall during election period
Chief Alaka
Lagos State President, NAPPS
Cash sponsorship enabling prize distribution to winners
Hear From Our Students
LaunchPad taught me that my ideas have value. Before this program, I never thought a student like me could pitch a business idea. Now I know I can build something real. The mentors believed in us even when we doubted ourselves.
Oluwaseun Adebayo
Victory Model College
1st Place Winner
Learning how to use AI to develop my business idea was incredible. The mentors showed us that technology is a tool we can use to solve real problems in our community. I've already started building my app!
Chidinma Okonkwo
Graceland International School
2nd Place Winner
The pitching competition was nerve-wracking but amazing. I learned to present my ideas with confidence. This experience will stay with me forever. Now my parents see me differently — as someone who can create, not just consume.
Ibrahim Yusuf
Victory Model College
What Students Gain
Business Fundamentals
Learn how to identify problems, develop solutions, and create viable business models that can scale.
AI-Assisted Innovation
Discover how to leverage artificial intelligence tools to research, ideate, and develop your business concepts.
Pitching & Presentation
Master the art of presenting your ideas confidently to investors, judges, and potential partners.
Problem-Solving Skills
Develop critical thinking abilities to tackle real-world challenges in your community and beyond.
Mentorship Access
Connect with experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders who guide you through your journey.
Real Prize Money
Compete for substantial cash prizes that can help kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
Application Process
Check Eligibility
You must be a secondary school student writing your final examinations (WAEC/NECO) in 2025 or 2026.
Develop Your Idea
Think about a problem in your community or Nigeria that you want to solve with a business solution.
Complete Application
Fill out the application form with your personal details, school information, and business idea.
Submit & Wait
Submit your application before the deadline. Selected students will be contacted for the next steps.
Join LaunchPad 2026
Ready to transform your ideas into reality? Complete the application below.Deadline: 31 July 2026
Why Sponsor LaunchPad?
Youth Empowerment
Directly impact young lives by funding programs that give students practical, future-ready skills.
Talent Discovery
Get early access to Nigeria's brightest young minds and future entrepreneurs.
Government Alignment
Support initiatives that align with Lagos State's digital literacy and youth development goals.
Brand Visibility
Associate your organization with innovation, education, and African youth excellence.
Who Should Partner With Us?
Government Bodies
- • Lagos State Government
- • Local Government Areas (LGAs)
- • LCDAs across Lagos State
- • Ministry of Education
- • Ministry of Youth & Social Development
Private Sector
- • Banks and financial institutions
- • Technology companies
- • Telecommunications companies
- • Oil & gas companies (CSR)
- • Manufacturing companies
Invest in Nigeria's Future
Partner with us to empower the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs.
The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.
Whether you're a student with a dream, a school looking to empower your students, or an organization that believes in Nigeria's youth — join LaunchPad 2026.