Call for Pitch Decks - open to tertiary institution student teams in Nigeria only
The entries will be evaluated by an independent expert panel using the following attributes:
Local Content: utilize local resources, demonstrate use of local expertise, to address global challenges;
Originality and creativity: present solutions that are original and creative in areas of energy application;
Commercial Viability: proposed solution must be cost efficient and commercially viable;
Youth Employment: ideas must link young people to quality employment or entrepreneurship opportunities;
Teamship: including gender balance, team capabilities, composition & motivation of shortlisted teams.
Pitch Decks will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis; I'd encourage you to submit early.
First, all teams MUST complete the online form at www.theneforg.org/tiec2025, including a 50-word abstract of the proposed innovation/project, with the attachment of a 7-slide Pitch Deck using a pdf version by 7th May 2025.
Next, Proof of submission of the online form, MUST be forwarded by email to no-reply@thenef.org,
A share of 4.5 million Naira grants to be awarded to winning teams to pilot/upscale project prototype. 2 million First Prize; 1.5 million Naira 2nd Prize & 1 million Naira 3rd Prize.
At least 2 student representatives (comprising at least 1 woman and 1man) of each shortlisted teams MUST be accompanied by 1 faculty staff member; and will be offered complimentary registration,
Hotel accommodation & travel/logistics support; to fully participate at the 10th NEF2025 technical, training, networking, capacity building sessions and Live Pitch Finals to be held on Tues. 8th July 2025 in Lagos.
7th May 2025 – Stage 1: Submit Pitch Deck (with maximum 7 slides) to outline idea, problem statement, proposed innovation solution; cost-benefit analysis; team composition and impact.
9th June 2025 – Notification of Shortlist entries to proceed to Stage 2 & Stage 3;
17th June 2025 – Stage 2: Shortlisted entries submit 1-page Poster to illustrate the concept, technical design, delivery plan, & cost/benefit analysis. Upload 1-minute Pitch video by team on social media.
23rd-30th June 2025 –Public Vote on 1-minute Video Pitch on Social Media, based on total views (60%), likes (20%) & shares (20%) (10% of cumulative total grade). Public Vote winner will be awarded a special recognition.
7th-8th July 2025 – Stage 3: Arrival in Lagos; Poster Presentation; Live Pitch Finals & Awards at NEF2025.
9th-11th July 2025 – Winners & past winners field visit, grand reception & radio/TV interviews in Lagos.
20th Nov. 2025 – Winners 2-minutes video, present progress & grant impact to global audience at webcast.
Average of independent expert panel scores with weighting indicated in brackets will be taken across Round 1 (30%), Round 2 (40%) and Round 3 (30%), to determine winners
Eligibility for Round 2:
Public Vote: Top 10 Teams from Round 1, will submit a 1-minute Video Pitch by 17th June 2025, via google drive, to be subject to be published on NEF Social Media (Youtube, Facebook & IG) and subject to Public vote, based on total views (60%), likes (20%) & shares (20%). (Public Vote is 20% of cumulative total grade).
The Top 10 teams shortlisted from Round 1 will be invited to nominate up to 3 representatives, comprising 2 students (including at least 1 woman) plus 1 faculty, who will attend training and Present Poster and Pitch a proposed solution at Round 2 finals on 8th July.
Posters must not exceed 1 Page and are expected to briefly describe the proposed solution, technical design, cost-benefit/economic feasibility, timescales for developing prototype/trial, proposed business model, and target users/market.
Posters must be uploaded by 17th June, 2025 using form to be provided, and these will be assessed by the independent panel of judges. (Poster is 20% of cumulative total grade).
Also, Valid Proof of Studentship and Staff ID must be uploaded for representative 2 students and 1 faculty for each team.
On 8th July 2025, Posters will be presented by each of the 10 teams to participants, from 8.30 am.
Eligibility for Round 3:
Teams MUST use creative prototypes to enhance quality of elevator Pitch.
– The Top 5 or 6 teams shortlisted from Round 1 & 2 will be invited to make a 2-minute Live Pitch to demonstrate the proposed energy innovation solution.
– Team Pitches MUST be accompanied by optional visual illustrations/aids such as prototypes/models/simulations to enhance the pitch quality & delivery.
– This will be followed by 3-minutes interactive Q&A with panel of assessors; and then a 1-minute closing statement by Teams; after which judges will record scores/grades.
– The average of independent expert panel scores with weighting indicated in brackets will be taken across Round 1 (30%), Round 2 (40%), and Round 3 (30%), to determine winners
– The top 3 winners will be awarded grants, and progress monitored across July to October to identify how the ideas develop, and the most successful project(s) will be invited to present progress at the 20th Nov. Webcast..