Thinklab Group concludes programme, deploys over N250m in youth-led ventures

In a significant move within Nigeria’s corporate-backed entrepreneurship ecosystem, Thinklab Group Limited has formally concluded its ambitious Thinkpreneur Programme, disbursing over Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (₦250 million) in direct equity investment to 13 young business founders selected from a national pool of thousands. The initiative, first announced in January 2025 with a total […]

In a significant move within Nigeria’s corporate-backed entrepreneurship ecosystem, Thinklab Group Limited has formally concluded its ambitious Thinkpreneur Programme, disbursing over Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (₦250 million) in direct equity investment to 13 young business founders selected from a national pool of thousands.

The initiative, first announced in January 2025 with a total commitment of One Billion Naira, was structured as a multi-tiered competition designed to identify and rigorously vet high-potential enterprises. The process attracted a remarkable 3,000 applications in its initial stage, with candidates progressing through successive rounds of detailed video submissions and culminating in intensive, in-person negotiation panels.

The final selection and deal structuring were overseen by a panel of industry experts led by Engr. Muhammad Zarma, alongside other notable figures including Prof. Almuhajir Sherrif, and from the groups team Fauziya Nasir , Fatima Albanawy, and Musa Gwary. The process emphasised sustainable business modelling and investible partnerships over ceremonial grant-giving.

Speaking on the programme’s conclusion, Thinklab’s Chairman, Dr. Sa’id Alkali Kori, framed the investment as a strategic entry into a portfolio of future-facing Nigerian businesses. “Our objective was to move beyond rhetoric and create a structured pathway from innovation to investment. The 13 ventures we have partnered with have endured a meticulous due diligence process. This capital infusion represents the start of a shared journey in building scalable, impactful enterprises,” Kori stated.

The Thinkpreneur Programme is one component of Thinklab’s broader youth and innovation engagement framework. The Group has also been the force behind initiatives such as the Think-athon, a 72-hour hackathon that brings together young tech talent to develop solutions for industrial and social challenges, and the One Billion Naira Thinkpreneur fund.

Analysts view this model of corporate-venture building as a critical supplement to traditional startup funding avenues. By taking an equity stake, the Group aligns its success with that of the entrepreneurs, suggesting a long-term commitment to mentorship and strategic growth support beyond initial funding.

Dr. Kori confirmed that the residual funds from the initial pledge would be retained within the Group’s development capital pool, earmarked for follow-on investments and operational support within the framework of the Group’s strategic focus for the coming year.

The completion of the Thinkpreneur Programme underscores a growing trend of Nigerian conglomerates actively structuring formal investment channels to harness grassroots innovation, positioning corporate Nigeria as a pivotal player in the nation’s entrepreneurship development landscape.