Building Africa's StartupNext Generation
The SDC Global Buildathon is where Africa's brightest student innovators come together to build and learn, turning ideas born on campus into solutions that can shape industries, communities, and the future.
Your idea. Your team. Your moment all coming together to build for Africa and beyond.
From Learner to Builder
At SDC Champions, your journey is built around real-world application, not just theory. You'll work hands-on with today's most in-demand technologies. No fluff, no filler, just practical, marketable skills.
Our dynamic, peer-driven approach is designed to be interactive, immersive, and genuinely engaging, empowering you to learn by doing and grow with every challenge.
Start Your Journey
- 1
Take Primer Course
Start with our foundational primer course to get a solid understanding of the basics.
Goal: Build a strong base for the challenges ahead.
- 2
Complete Assessment Test
After the primer, take our comprehensive assessment to showcase your skills and readiness.
Goal: Prove your competence and qualify for the next stage.
- 3
Join Community
Become part of our vibrant community of learners, mentors, and builders.
Goal: Collaborate, network, and grow with like-minded peers.
- 4
Enter Startup School
Accepted members gain access to our exclusive Startup School, where ideas turn into reality.
Goal: Learn the ropes of entrepreneurship and start building your venture.
- 5
Compete in Buildathon
Put your skills to the ultimate test in our competitive buildathon. The winning team proceeds to the Launchpad accelerator program by SDC
Goal: Launch a successful startup and become a champion.
Is Building a Startup Right for You?
The Primer Course is your entry point into the SDC Champions Program. It's a short, interactive video series that helps you answer one important question: Should I build a startup as a student, or would I thrive better running a small/medium business (SME)?
The SDC Global Buildathon
The highlight of the Champions Program — a fully virtual competition designed to help students move from ideas to execution. Over seven weeks, student teams from universities across Africa come together to build the future.
Form Teams
Connect with like-minded peers and form your dream team.
Refine Ideas
Work with mentors to validate and sharpen your business concept.
Build Prototypes
Develop working prototypes that demonstrate your solution.
Showcase Globally
Present your work to a global audience of investors and industry leaders.
Who Is This For?
The Curious
Students who want to explore if entrepreneurship is right for them.
Seeking Clarity
Those who have ideas but need guidance on whether to pursue a startup or SME path.
Campus Innovators
Students actively building solutions on campus who want to take their ideas to the next level.
Why Join as a Student?
Built for Students
Everything is tailored to your journey as a student innovator.
Proven Experience
Backed by SDC's track record of empowering startups and entrepreneurs.
Practical Learning
Short, engaging courses you can fit between classes.
Strong Community
Be part of a growing pan-African student innovation network.
Global Exposure
Earn your spot in the SDC Global Buildathon and compete with peers worldwide.
About SDC Champions
The student-focused arm of SDC, created exclusively for young innovators across Africa. We're bringing our proven experience in driving innovation to help thousands of students unlock their entrepreneurial potential while still in school.
Proven Success
SDC Champions has empowered thousands of students across Africa to explore entrepreneurship and develop innovative solutions.
Our program provides a structured path from idea discovery to prototype development.
Innovation Focus
We nurture creative thinking and problem-solving skills that drive meaningful change.
Pan-African Network
Connect with peers from 20+ countries and build lasting relationships across the continent.
About SDC Champions
The student-focused arm of SDC, created exclusively for young innovators across Africa. We're bringing our proven experience in driving innovation to help thousands of students unlock their entrepreneurial potential while still in school.
Proven Success
SDC Champions has empowered thousands of students across Africa to explore entrepreneurship and develop innovative solutions.
Our program provides a structured path from idea discovery to prototype development.
Innovation Focus
We nurture creative thinking and problem-solving skills that drive meaningful change.
Pan-African Network
Connect with peers from 20+ countries and build lasting relationships across the continent.
Partner with Us to Shape Africa's Next Generation of Innovators
Join us in empowering thousands of student innovators across Africa to turn their ideas into impactful ventures. Through your partnership, we can provide the resources, mentorship, and platforms students need to build the future.
Why Partner with SDC Champions?
Proven Track Record
Backed by SDC's history of successful startup programs and ecosystem collaborations.
Pan-African Reach
Engage directly with student innovators from universities across multiple African countries.
Impactful Visibility
Position your organization as a driver of innovation, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship in Africa.
Meaningful Engagement
Opportunities to mentor, fund, co-host, or collaborate in real student innovation programs.
Global Recognition
Be featured across our community platforms, competitions, and campaigns reaching thousands of students.
Our Partnership Categories
University Partners
Collaborate to integrate our innovation programs into your campus ecosystem.
What we offer: Student innovation curriculum, campus activation support, access to SDC resources.
Ideal for: University entrepreneurship centers, student affairs departments, and innovation clubs.
Hubs & Innovation Spaces
Partner with us to provide mentorship, workspace access, and community engagement.
What we offer: Visibility across student networks, collaboration on programs, and access to talent pipelines.
Sponsors & Resource Partners
Support student innovators through funding, tools, or in-kind resources.
What we offer: Co-branding, sponsorship recognition, and exclusive access to Buildathon showcases.
Ecosystem Partners
Join forces to co-create programs, share expertise, or connect student ventures with broader ecosystem opportunities.
What we offer: Strategic collaborations, cross-program exposure, and media visibility.
Want to explore how we can collaborate?
Download our SDC Champions Partnership Guide to see impact opportunities, partnership tiers, and success stories from past initiatives.
Let's Build Africa's Future, Together.
If you represent a university, hub, organization, or brand passionate about youth innovation — we'd love to partner with you.
Become a PartnerFrequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the SDC Champions program.
Still have questions? We are here to help!
