Three innovative startups have emerged as winners at the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) Lagos Innovate Idea Hub 12.0 after a rigorous competition that began with more than 1,000 applications from across Lagos State. The eight-week programme selected 20 startups for intensive business support before narrowing them to six finalists who pitched their ideas during Demo Day. The initiative focused on finding practical solutions to real challenges facing businesses and communities in Lagos.
Cubeseed Africa took the Gold Medal in the AgriTech category. In a market where middlemen often take a large portion of profits, farmers face delayed payments, and buyers struggle with poor-quality products and limited access to credit, Cubeseed Africa offers a digital solution. Partnering with Sterling Bank, the startup is creating a trusted digital marketplace for bulk protein supply. By connecting livestock farmers directly to bulk buyers such as restaurants, hotels, and cold room operators, Cubeseed ensures farmers receive instant payments and guaranteed markets. Buyers, in turn, enjoy reliable access to high-quality protein on credit. The company is not only simplifying meat trade but also contributing to food security by building transparency and trust in agricultural transactions.
The Silver award was given to Lena, an EdTech platform founded by Faruk Bilesanmi, Danny Ombeh, and Chris Ombeh. In Africa, where 9 out of 10 children struggle with basic literacy and numeracy despite attending school, Lena aims to redefine learning. The platform uses AI-driven games to transform math, literacy, and science lessons into engaging, story-based adventures aligned with the school curriculum. Its adaptive AI tutor personalizes learning by adjusting difficulty levels based on each student’s pace and challenges. The platform’s design is mobile-first and offline-friendly, allowing access even in areas with poor internet connectivity. Lena’s approach provides scalable one-on-one learning experiences and prepares children for future opportunities in the global AI economy.
Prodevs secured the Bronze award in the HR Tech category. Known for addressing the challenges of hiring skilled developers in Lagos, Prodevs provides a streamlined platform that helps companies find and manage technical talent efficiently. The startup allows businesses to reduce time spent on recruitment and focus on growth and innovation instead.
Speaking at the event, Ifeoluwa Martins of LSETF said, “Idea Hub 12.0 has showcased the immense talent in Lagos State. These startups represent the future of our economy, and we are proud to support their journey from idea to market.”
According to LSETF, all 20 startups in the programme received training on product development, market readiness, and business sustainability. The initiative forms part of Lagos State’s broader plan to support youth employment, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The outcome of Idea Hub 12.0 reflects how targeted support and mentorship can transform promising local ideas into scalable businesses capable of driving economic growth and creating jobs in Lagos.
