By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

More than 1,200 technology-driven businesses have applied for the inaugural South East Venture Capital Program (SEVCP), an initiative of the South East Development Commission aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship and investment opportunities across the region.

The Commission disclosed that 50 startups have now emerged as finalists following a multi-stage screening process under the programme’s accelerator and incubation tracks.

According to a statement signed by the Chairman, South East Venture Capital Program, Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, the Commission, the finalists will participate in a week-long boot camp on investment and pitch readiness ahead of the programme’s grand finale scheduled for May 25 and 26, 2026, at the International Conference Center.

The programme is expected to culminate in a pitch competition where finalists will present their business ideas before a panel of investors and industry experts, with 30 ventures to be selected for investment support and post-investment incubation.

SEDC said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to create a more structured innovation and financing ecosystem in the South East, while encouraging collaboration between startups, investors, development institutions and policymakers.

The Commission noted that the programme aligns with the economic development objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the area of expanding financing opportunities for emerging businesses.

The statement added that the event would attract founders, venture capital firms, angel investors, diaspora investors, development finance institutions and academic stakeholders interested in regional economic development.

SEDC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth and mobilising private sector investment across Abia State, Anambra State, Ebonyi State, Enugu State and Imo State.
The statement was signed by Stanley Ohajuruka, Chairman of the South East Venture Capital Program.