NIGCOMSAT Launches Second Phase of Space-Tech Accelerator to Boost Innovation in Nigeria

The Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd has announced the launch of the second phase of its flagship Accelerator Programme, set to kick off on July 18, 2025, in Abuja.

Themed “Innovation in Orbit: Empowering the Next Generation of Space-Tech Entrepreneurs,” the programme is aimed at advancing Nigeria’s space technology ecosystem by supporting startups that deliver impactful solutions using satellite and space-based technologies.

This year’s accelerator will spotlight innovation in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, climate resilience, robotics, logistics, and digital infrastructure—areas essential to both national development and global progress.

According to Programme Coordinator, Maureen Nzekwe, the 2024 pilot phase received 281 applications, from which 35 promising startups were selected to participate in the final Demo Day scheduled for October 2025. She noted a remarkable rise in female-led ventures, reflecting the programme’s commitment to gender inclusion and women’s participation in science and technology.

NIGCOMSAT’s Managing Director/CEO, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the accelerator as a strategic move to empower Nigerian innovators and position the country in the global space economy. “Placing space technology in the hands of Nigeria’s brightest innovators is a bold step towards sustainable national development. This accelerator is not only a platform for nurturing viable tech solutions but also a catalyst for redefining Nigeria’s role in the global space economy,” she said.

The programme will begin with an onboarding session on June 20, 2025, followed by a rigorous schedule of workshops, mentorship sessions, and business development support. Startups will receive training on product refinement and investor readiness, culminating in a Demo Day where they will pitch their solutions to investors, policymakers, and international stakeholders.

Implemented in partnership with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), along with support from private sector players, innovation hubs, and venture investors, the initiative aims to establish Nigeria as a regional hub for space-tech entrepreneurship. Through this, NIGCOMSAT is reinforcing its mandate to strengthen digital infrastructure and foster technological self-reliance.