Five Benue-based startups. Two expert judges. One evening that could change your trajectory. Apply before spots close.
Makurdi, Benue State
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM WAT
Open application, apply now
Startup support package
Two judges with startup-building and investment experience will score your pitch and tell you exactly where it breaks down and how to fix it.
Every startup uses the same 10-slide framework. The best idea and the clearest story win, not the fanciest deck.
Top performers from every episode are spotlighted at the Benue Tech Summit in September. This is your pipeline into the ecosystem, not a one-off moment.
Judges, mentors, founders, and partners all in one place. The networking after the pitches is as valuable as the pitching itself.
The schedule is tight by design. Every minute is accounted for, because your time and your judges’ time both matter.
Doors open. Get settled, meet the team, confirm your slide position.
Program Director Tersoo Hulugh opens the session and sets the tone.
Each startup gets 5 minutes to pitch, then 5 minutes of live scored feedback from both judges.
Scores are tallied. Judges make their final decision behind closed doors.
The Episode 1 winner is revealed and recognized in front of the full room.
Talk to judges. Meet co-founders. Build the relationships that move things forward.
Beyond the prize, every startup that pitches walks away with scored feedback, a written evaluation, and direct introductions to judges and partners. The ₦100,000 is the headline. The feedback is the real value.
Awarded to the Episode 1 winner within 72 hours of the event
Every selected founder receives a detailed, scored feedback report
September 2026, in front of investors, partners, and press
Networking session with all judges immediately after the pitches
Whether you’re pitching or watching, you need to register. Spots are limited for both.
Applications are open. Five startups will be selected. If you don’t make Episode 1, your application rolls over to Episode 2 automatically.
Attend as an observer, see five pitches, hear expert feedback live, and network with founders and judges during the closing session.
No. We accept founders at all stages: idea, MVP, early traction, or growth. What matters is that you have a real problem you're solving with a tech-enabled approach.
Strong applications that don't make the Episode 1 cut are automatically rolled over to Episode 2 (June 26). You won't need to re-apply.
All selected startups pitch using the same standardized structure: Problem, Solution, Market Opportunity, Product Demo, Traction, Business Model, Go-to-Market, Competitive Landscape, Team, and Ask. The template is shared with selected founders after acceptance.
Yes. Pitch Friday is a BenueTech initiative focused specifically on building the local startup ecosystem. Your startup must be founded, operating, or solving problems rooted in the Benue context.
Selected startups will be notified by May 1, 2026. Giving you one full week to prepare before the event.
BenueTech is a growing tech community empowering professionals, founders, and learners of Benue origin through innovation, mentorship, and collaboration. Join us and be part of the movement.
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