Tag Archives: Africa

2025 ZENITH BANK ZECATHON 5.0 STARTUP PITCH COMPETITION AT THE ZENITH BANK TECH FAIR

Application Deadline: 31st October, 2025

LOCATION: Africa

From Lagos to the Gambia and Sierra Leone to Accra, the 2025 Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition is where bold ideas meet opportunity. Step onto the continental stage, showcase your solution, and unlock the visibility, partnerships, and resources to scale across Africa and beyond.

The 2025 Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition at the Zenith Bank Tech Fair is Africa’s stage for bold innovators shaping the future. This year, it highlights Generative AI, Agentic AI, and emerging technologies transforming industries across the continent. 

ELIGIBILITY:

To be eligible for the Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition & Incubation Program, applicants must:

Be an early-stage African startups with a registered business entity

Operate in one or more of the listed focus sectors

Demonstrate a viable product or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with initial market traction

Present a scalable business model with clear growth potential

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your startup! Applications close on [31 October, 2025]

This competition seeks to elevate startups innovating in these critical sectors

BENEFIT:

Cash Prizes: The Top 5 startups win 70 million: ₦30 million to the 1st place, and 4 other finalists receive ₦10 million.

Investor Access and Mentorship: Connect with investors, seasoned entrepreneurs, and experts, opening doors for follow-on funding and strategic partnerships.

Strategic Resources: Intensive training in financial management, product development, branding, and market positioning for business growth.

Networking and Exposure Networking and Exposure: Engage with corporate leaders and potential partners through exclusive events and pitch sessions.

Growth Opportunities: Collaborate with industry leaders for technical support, co-development, and market entry support to drive scalability.

APPLY

AKADEMIE SCHLOSS SOLITUDE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR SOLITUDE FELLOWSHIPS 

Application Deadline:  November 14, 2025, 6 pm CET

LOCATION:  Germany

Starting October 15, Akademie Schloss Solitude is accepting applications for its residential fellowships for the period 2026–2028. International artists, researchers, and cultural professionals from all disciplines will have the opportunity to apply for a six- or nine-month fellowship. Akademie Schloss Solitude awards up to 60 international residencies.

ELIGIBILITY:

The program is open to individuals with two to ten years of independent practice after completing their training, regardless of age. Collectives of up to two people may apply, provided they have been working together for at least two years. Not eligible are applicants still in training or studies (except for PhD candidates), as well as those holding a permanent professorship. Working languages are German and/or English (house language: English).

More detailed information on the Solitude Fellowship can be found here.

International artists and scientists can apply for a fellowship in the following spheres of practice: VISUAL (Fine Arts & Film/Video), AURAL & PHYSICAL (Music/Sound & Performing Arts), SPATIAL (Architecture & Design), TEXTUAL (Literature & Language), DIGITAL (New Media Art & Digital Art), and SCIENTIFIC (Humanities & Applied Sciences).

The selection process takes place in two stages:

Stage 1 (October 15–November 14, 2025): Open Short Application (online) on the application platform.
After the first stage of the application process, an anonymous random selection procedure will be used in spheres of practice with very high numbers of applications to ensure a fair pre-selection.
Deadline: November 14, 2025, 6 pm CET

All applicants will be notified by e-mail whether or not they are admitted to the second stage.

Stage 2 (November 24–December 19, 2025): Full Application (online) on the application platform
Admitted applicants may submit a full application via the platform between November 24 and December 19, 2025 (6 pm CET).
Deadline: December 19, 2025, 6 pm CET

BENEFIT:

The fellowship includes:

a 6- or 9-month residency in Stuttgart,

a monthly fellowship of €1,300,

a furnished live/work studio incl. utilities,

a one-time travel allowance for arrival and departure.

Fellowships are generally awarded for a period of six or nine months.

APPLY