From Final Year to Founder – Turn Your Research into a Startup!
Obichi PitchLab is the platform where final-year Bachelors, Masters, and PhD students and fresh graduates pitch their final year projects and transform them into business solutions that solve real-world problems.
About
What is Obichi PitchLab?
Obichi PitchLab is a launchpad for final-year students and recent graduates to transform their research into real-world ventures. Over an intensive 2-month virtual training program, participants gain hands-on skills in pitching, innovation, and commercialization while working closely with mentors and experts.
We are Africa’s first dedicated platform for bridging student research and the marketplace through commercialization.
To power their progress, each team receives a monthly Catalytic Grant during the program—fuelling experiments, validation, and business development. Alongside funding, participants benefit from expert guidance, peer learning, and visibility opportunities that prepare them to bridge the gap between academia and entrepreneurship.
Get Involved
How You Can Participate
👩🎓 For Students
Got a game-changing research idea? Don’t let it go unnoticed—submit your pitch now and turn it into a real-world solution!
🧑💼 For Mentors & Experts
Want to guide and inspire the next generation of innovators? Join us as a mentor and help shape the future!
💰For Investors & Partners
Looking to invest in groundbreaking ideas and emerging talents? Partner with us to support high-potential startups!
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply?
For students submitting pitches on ObichiPitchLab.com, the following criteria should be met before applying:
Final-Year or Recent Graduate—Applicants must be in their final year of study in a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral program or have graduated within the last two years.
Original Research Project – The pitch must be based on a real final-year project with clear potential for business or social impact.
Innovative & Problem-Solving Focus – The idea should solve a critical societal problem or address a market need.
Clear Commercialization Potential – The project should have potential for commercialization, startup development, or practical implementation.
Pitch Video Submission – Last stage of selection is a well-structured 2-mins video clearly explaining the project and its impact must be submitted.
Supervisor’s Consent – Student applicants must obtain written consent from their project supervisor confirming approval for participation.
Consent & Compliance – Applicants must agree to the platform’s terms and conditions, ensuring no intellectual property violations.
Why Participate
💰 Win Prizes & Funding
Receive a catalytic grant and exclusive support to kick-start your venture.
🧑💼 Mentorship from Industry Experts
Gain valuable insights and guidance from top entrepreneurs and innovators.
🤝 Networking Opportunities
Connect with investors, mentors, and potential co-founders to expand your impact.
🌍 Visibility & Recognition
Showcase your work to a global audience and gain the recognition your innovation deserves.
How it works
A Step-by-Step Process
Turning your final-year project into a successful startup is easier than you think! At Obichi PitchLab, we provide a simple, structured process to help you refine your idea, gain expert feedback, and compete for funding and mentorship. Here’s how it works:
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.
Are you a final-year student or fresh graduate with a research project worth taking further? Apply now and let PitchLab help you bring it to life.
