The Obichi PitchLab, launched by the Young Innovation Leaders (YIL) Fellowship in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment (Commercial Law Department) and the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) Abuja, is a groundbreaking program that transforms student and graduate research projects into thriving market ventures.
It provides training, mentorship, catalytic grants, and global exposure to help students turn their academic research into impactful startups.
Obichi PitchLab transforms student and graduate research projects into thriving market ventures—bridging the gap between academia and the marketplace.
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When is the Application Deadline?
📅 30th September 2025
(Applications open 1st September 2025)
Which Fields are Eligible?
✅ All disciplines are welcome – projects from any academic field with commercialization potential can apply.
Type
🎓 Fellowship / Innovation & Commercialization Program
Who Can Apply?
- Final-year Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD students in any discipline.
- Recent graduates (within 2 years of graduation).
- Applicants must be working on a research project with commercialization potential.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Originality and commercialization potential of the project.
- Problem-solving and innovation focus.
- Submission of a 2-minute pitch video explaining the idea.
- Written consent from the applicant’s project supervisor (for students).
- Agreement to platform terms and compliance with IP rules.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
🌍 Open to students and recent graduates across Africa.
Where Will the Award be Taken?
🖥️ The program will be held virtually with mentorship, training, and networking conducted online.
How Many Awards?
A competitive selection process will choose the top applicants to join the 2025 PitchLab Cohort.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
Each participant (valued at $5,000) receives:
- Catalytic Grant: $100 (Bachelor’s), $150 (Master’s), $200 (PhD) per month.
- Expert mentorship & peer learning.
- Prototyping and validation support.
- Intellectual property (IP) protection & legal setup.
- Publication & business registration support.
- Commercialization and investor-readiness training.
- Certificate in Innovation & Research Commercialization (jointly issued by AUST & YIL Fellowship).
- Access to a continental network of innovators and investors.
How Long Will the Award Last?
⏳ The PitchLab is an intensive 2-month virtual program (November–December 2025).
How to Apply
- Step 1: Check Eligibility: Final-year student or recent graduate (≤2 years), with a project that can be commercialized.
- Step 2: Prepare Materials: Concept note, short CV/LinkedIn, and (for students) supervisor consent.
- Step 3: Fill the Online Form: Provide your project summary, team info, and upload documents.
- Step 4: Get Shortlisted: Top applicants will be invited to the next stage of the application.
- Step 5: Join the Cohort: Successful candidates sign the training agreement, complete onboarding, and begin the program.
