Is Building a Startup Right for You?
Through our Primer Course, discover the difference between startups and SMEs, test your fit, and take your first step into Africa's student innovation movement — with the chance to compete in our global Buildathon.
SDC Champions Program
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.
Built on Proven Success
SDC has built a reputation for driving innovation through entrepreneurship programs, founder support, and ecosystem partnerships. We've helped startups grow, connected founders with resources, and created platforms for innovation to thrive.
Now, we're bringing that experience to students. SDC Champions is designed to help you unlock your entrepreneurial potential through courses, vibrant student communities, and global competition. With SDC Champions, you're not just learning — you're starting your journey as Africa's next generation of' founders.
Innovation Focus
Turn classroom ideas into real-world solutions
Pan-African Network
Connect with students across the continent
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
Collaborate with fellow students from different campuses and backgrounds
Refine Ideas
Validate and shape your innovation with mentor feedback and peer support
Build Prototypes
Turn concepts into testable solutions with guidance from experts
Showcase Globally
Pitch your ideas on a continental stage to gain visibility and recognition
At the end of the Buildathon, the top-performing teams advance to the SDC Launchpad Program, where they'll receive structured support to grow their ventures further.
Who Is This For?
Curious Students
Undergraduate or postgraduate students curious about entrepreneurship
Seeking Clarity
Students who want clarity on whether startup building is right for them
Campus Innovators
Campus innovators, leaders, or community members looking to scale their ideas
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.
Ready to Start Your Innovation Journey?
The future of Africa's innovation starts on campus. Is building a startup right for you as a student? Take the first step. Join the SDC Champions Program today and stand a chance to showcase your idea in the SDC Global Buildathon.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about SDC Champions programme
Still have questions? We are here to help!
