Frequently Asked Questions

Colossus of Lagos is Lagos State's premier annual entrepreneurship competition and festival, created in strategic partnership with the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment. It serves as an economic launchpad designed to discover, celebrate, mentor, and fund ambitious young founders whose enterprises drive technological innovation, social impact, and sustainable job creation across Lagos.

Unlike typical reality entertainment formats that sequester contestants in an isolated house for 8 to 12 weeks, Colossus of Lagos is a dynamic 1-month entrepreneurial festival. It is structured to be completely non-disruptive to active businesses. Founders participate in milestone-based sessions (auditions, convention, bootcamp accelerator, investors evening, and finale) while continuing to run and direct their day-to-day operations.

The Lagos State Government, represented by the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, is the official institutional partner. The government endorses the initiative, oversees strategic alignment with state economic empowerment agendas, facilitates institutional access for winners, and assists standout participants in integrating into state procurement and funding opportunities.

The show is executively produced by Bravopoints International Limited, the visionary production company behind Africa's most consistent entrepreneurial reality show, The Next Titan Nigeria (11+ consecutive seasons). Bravopoints was recognized by the Chartered Institute of Quality UK with the "Global Most Innovative Entrepreneurship Company" award and has managed business competitions trusted by top financial institutions across Nigeria.

Participation is open to Nigerian citizens aged 20 to 40 years who reside in Lagos or operate a business base within Lagos State. It is open to graduates, undergraduates of higher institutions of learning, and self-taught innovators. You must have an active operating business or a viable, scalable business idea, and possess no direct affiliation with Bravopoints International or primary sponsors.

No. An incorporated company is not mandatory at the point of registration. We accept both early-stage operating businesses and validated business concepts/ideas. Our evaluation prioritizes innovation, product-market fit, commercial viability, scalability, and founder execution grit.

Yes, absolutely. Colossus of Lagos is inclusive. You do not need to be an indigene. As long as you currently reside in Lagos or your business operates within Lagos State, you are fully eligible. Proof of residence can be verified with a LASRRA ID, utility bill, or Lagos business address.

The Call for Registrations runs strictly for two (2) weeks. Due to rapid broadcast production screening and nationwide audition scheduling, late submissions cannot be accepted. Candidates are encouraged to submit early to ensure their materials are thoroughly reviewed.

Auditions will be conducted in-person across 5 major zones in Lagos covering Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island, corresponding to the historic 5 IBILE administrative divisions:

Shortlisted candidates deliver a 3 to 5-minute uninterrupted live pitch before a distinguished jury of investors and Lagos State business leaders. This is followed by 3 minutes of jury Q&A addressing unit economics, customer traction, and scalability. All auditions are filmed in high definition for national TV broadcast.

The jury assesses pitches across 4 Essential Pillars:

• Innovation: Uniqueness, problem-solving depth, and defensible market advantage.
• Commercial Viability: Realistic revenue model, viable customer acquisition cost, and sound unit economics.
• Scalability & Job Creation: Ability to grow across Lagos LGAs and hire local youth talent.
• Founder Grit: Passion, coachability, poise under pressure, and strategic clarity.

Please arrive with:

1. Valid Government-Issued Photo ID: NIN Slip, Voter's Card, Driver's License, or International Passport.
2. Proof of Lagos Base: LASRRA card, Lagos utility bill, or Lagos business address evidence.
3. Product Prototype or Pitch Deck: Physical product sample (if applicable) or PowerPoint presentation on a USB flash drive.
4. Registration Confirmation Slip: Showing your unique applicant reference number.

The competition operates as an agile 1-Month Festival structured across 6 major milestones:

• Stage 1 (Weeks 1–2): Call for Registrations (2-Week window) & screening.
• Stage 2 (Week 3): In-person Regional Auditions across 5 Lagos Zones.
• Stage 3 (Week 4): 1,000+ Entrepreneurship Convention & Exhibition.
• Stage 4 (Week 5): Top 100 Intensive Accelerator Bootcamp (40 × ₦1M grants awarded).
• Stage 5 (Week 6): Top 20 Investors Evening (Boardroom pitch gala to VCs).
• Stage 6 (Grand Finale): Live Televised Championship crowning the ₦30M Winner.

No. The 1-month festival design specifically guarantees that founders do not abandon their existing businesses. Milestones (audition days, convention, bootcamp masterclasses, investor dinners, and the grand finale) are scheduled with strategic notice so you can maintain day-to-day managerial control of your venture throughout.

The Convention brings together over 1,000 founders, young innovators, policymakers, and corporate leaders in Lagos. It features keynote addresses from high-ranking government officials and enterprise titans, practical masterclasses on scaling, intellectual property, fundraising, and a high-visibility exhibition pavilion where emerging businesses showcase products.

Over ₦70,000,000+ in catalytic funding is disbursed:

• ₦30,000,000 Grand Prize: Non-dilutive, equity-free cash prize awarded to the champion at the televised Grand Finale.
• 40 × ₦1,000,000 Bootcamp Grants: 40 standout entrepreneurs selected from the Top 100 Bootcamp stage each win ₦1,000,000 in immediate cash seed funding (₦40M total).
• Top 20 Investors Evening: Exclusive boardroom access to private venture capitalists, angel syndicates, and financial institutions for equity matchmaking.
• Post-Show Ecosystem Backing: Continued institutional support and business clinic advisory backed by the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment.

Zero Equity / 100% Founder Ownership Neither Bravopoints International, the show producers, title sponsors, nor the Lagos State Government will take any equity, shares, or management control of your business. All prize money is awarded as non-dilutive catalytic grants. You retain 100% ownership and control of your venture.

The competition reaches over 53 Million viewers nationwide across Nigeria's four premier broadcast networks:

Standout founders enter a structured 3-month post-show business incubation and advisory track connecting them with seasoned corporate mentors, angel syndicates, and institutional supply chain partners. In addition, the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment facilitates public sector access, supplier integration, and continued capacity-building workshops.