The sixth cohort of the Standard Chartered Women in Tech Nigeria has graduated, marking another milestone in the program’s mission to empower female tech entrepreneurs across Nigeria.

Launched in July and run in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan-Atlantic University and Village Capital, this edition selected twelve promising ventures from hundreds of applicants.

Since its inception, the program has trained 50 founders and supported 25 winners across five previous editions, collectively awarding over $250,000 in seed funding. The program is designed specifically to address gaps and upscale women-led technology ventures as an enabler for economic empowerment of women.

The cohort participants included Chinwendu Augustina (Bridge Merchant Enterprise), Blessing Aniefiok (Dynalimb Technologies), Sarah Andino (Talktu by Mikagi Technologies Limited), Deborah Kemi Olakunle (HealthVest), Esther Eruchie (FriendnPal), Eunice Olopade (Testbloq), Olapeju Nwanganga (Ploutos Page Limited), Ogheneosivwime Benice Jehwe (Mimshack Anointed International Limited), Lilian Dike (Spyce Social Limited), Omolara Olarerin (Pocketfood), Linda Ekweogu (Tradetracka), and Omobosola Karimat Alaka (Hafrikplay).

Following an intensive accelerator where founders received world-class business training, one-on-one mentorship from industry leaders, and strategic networking opportunities, participants pitched their business for a grant and additional support. Five outstanding entrepreneurs were selected to receive $10,000 each.

The 2025 grant recipients are Chinwendu Nweke (Bridge Merchant Enterprise), connecting agricultural networks to reduce harvest losses; Omolara Olarerin (PocketFood), transforming food access and delivery; Blessing Aniefiok (Dynalimb Technologies Limited), expanding assistive technology solutions for mobility; Omobosola Alaka (Hafrikplay), innovating in African digital entertainment and education; and Olapeju Nwanganga (Ploutos Page Limited), helping market women digitize their businesses.

The graduating ventures span agritech, healthtech, edtech, fintech, and cleantech, tackling key challenges across Nigeria’s economy.

Reaffirming the bank’s commitment, the Country Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited,
Joke Adu, said the institution is “truly delighted to continue empowering female entrepreneurs in Nigeria.”

She noted the programme’s “profound socio-economic impact” through enterprise sustainability and job creation.

The Director of Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Nneka Okekearu, described the 12 graduating founders as “the power of possibility when talent meets opportunity.

“The programme is equipping women to not just participate in the tech ecosystem but lead it,” Okekearu added.

Delivered in partnership with Enterprise Development Centre at Pan-Atlantic University and Village Capital and funded by the Standard Chartered Foundation, the equity-free accelerator combines capital with a rigorous incubation experience. It enables female founders to build profitable, high-impact businesses that contribute to Nigeria’s growth.