MORE by Meristem has announced plans to open a new round of applications focused on agribusiness and agriculture startups as part of efforts to expand support for sustainability-driven innovation and youth entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
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The announcement follows the successful conclusion of the MORE Lagos Green Cohort I programme, where Meristem Securities Limited, through its youth-focused Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, awarded ₦26 million in grants to green innovators developing climate-focused solutions across Lagos State, Nigeria Startup News (NSN) reports.
According to the organisers, the upcoming application cycle will shift attention towards startups and innovators building solutions within Nigeria’s agriculture and agribusiness ecosystem, with a focus on sustainability, economic growth, food systems, and long-term national development.
The company said the move forms part of its broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy aimed at supporting entrepreneurs solving pressing social and environmental challenges through innovation.
The MORE Lagos Green initiative itself began in September 2025 with a call for applications that attracted nearly 200 submissions from young innovators proposing solutions in waste management, renewable energy, climate resilience, and sustainable production.
After several rounds of screening, 30 scalable ideas were shortlisted before nine finalists advanced to the grand finale, where they pitched their businesses before a panel of green economy stakeholders and ecosystem leaders.
At the end of the competition, Joshua Ndaman, founder of BuyScrap Nigeria, emerged as the overall winner and secured a ₦10 million grant for his climate-focused innovation.
Edidiong Udoh of AirChain received ₦6 million after clinching second place, while Rofiat Olaleye of Eco Heroes secured ₦4 million in grant funding.
Other innovators including Eloghosa Oviahon, Jeremiah Hinmikaye, Oluwatosin Afolayan, and Mariam Odesola each received ₦1 million consolation grants for their high-impact solutions.
Two additional entrepreneurs, David Olaibi and Stephen Apeh, who had earlier completed the MORE by Meristem programme and also pitched their businesses, were awarded ₦1 million grants each.
Speaking during the event, Head of MORE by Meristem, Imaobong Asemah, said the initiative was designed to support entrepreneurs building scalable businesses capable of solving real-life problems in Nigeria.
“Our goal at MORE is to support entrepreneurs who are solving real problems to create sustainable and scalable business models, and we believe the next generation of successful global entrepreneurs will emerge from platforms like MORE by Meristem,” she said.
Unlike many conventional startup competitions focused only on cash prizes, MORE Lagos Green was structured as a broader ecosystem development programme combining mentorship, learning resources, visibility, venture support, and funding opportunities.
Participants also received access to the MORE by Meristem digital learning platform, which provides educational resources and strategic guidance for young entrepreneurs building sustainable businesses.
Meristem noted that the upcoming agribusiness and agriculture-focused application round will continue its mission of supporting startups capable of creating measurable environmental and economic impact across Nigeria.
The company added that the next phase of the programme is expected to further strengthen innovation within Nigeria’s agricultural value chain while helping young founders scale sustainable solutions capable of driving national growth.
