A grant of ₦8million awaits each winner, including other support to grow their businesses. It is a huge incentive for young, entrepreneurial Nigerians to key into the programme, which has the potential to deepen the pool of local businesses in the country.

In commemoration of its centennial, the energy company will be rewarding selected startups with capital and other support. In its fourth edition, 100 African startups from 32 countries on the continent will be recognised and supported this year, said the company in a statement released Thursday.

This new edition, stated the energy giant, reaffirms TotalEnergies’ commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as supporting the socio-economic development of African countries the company has footprints. The challenge strengthens the social fabric in local communities by helping the continent’s most innovative entrepreneurs carry out their projects. In all, 365 winners, selected from among some 40,000 applications received, have been rewarded and supported worldwide since 2015.

For the 2024-2025 edition, TotalEnergies will support and reward entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 living in Nigeria, who have a business creation project or a startup under three years old, in any business sector. A local jury comprised of experts, business leaders, startup ecosystem participants, local sustainability stakeholders and representatives from TotalEnergies Nigeria will select three winners.

The categories include Innov’Up winner, for the best entrepreneur; Cycle’Up winner, for the best project relating to the circular economy, and Power’Up winner, for the best project relating to sustainable, affordable energy.

According to the company, four additional projects in the Power’Up category will be selected by an international jury.

Four criteria will be used in assessing the entries. These include relevance to sustainable development challenges, innovation, feasibility and development potential, as well as respect for gender equality and inclusion of women in the project

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Each winner will become a “Startupper of the Year by TotalEnergies” and will benefit from a grant of ₦8million, personalised support and a communication campaign to enhance project visibility. Winners will also have the opportunity to promote their project during a celebratory event.

Registration commences next week, precisely on 13^th May 2024, at http://startupper.totalenergies.com. Applicants have more than a month to complete their entry, which closes June 18, 2024.

This year’s programme follows on the heels of the last three editions. In the 2021-2022 challenge, TotalEnergies recognised three young entrepreneurs: Nonso Opurum, who emerged in the Best Startup under three years – Soso Care; Michael Osumene, in the Best Business Creation Project – Smart Inverter System and Rebecca Adeosun, Best Female Entrepreneur – Organic Cycle.

Adewole Ojo

Adewole Ojo is the Editor-in-Chief of Meiza Nigeria. He can be reached on adewole.ojo@fourpoints.ng.