Three high-impact Nigerian ventures working in agriculture, mental health, and clean energy have secured a total of $45,000 in funding from Cascador at the 2025 NSIA Prize for Innovation (NPI) Demo Day. Each startup was awarded $15,000 for their innovative, purpose-driven business models designed to create meaningful change in underserved communities.

The Demo Day, organized by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), is part of a broader push to discover and scale solutions that contribute to national development goals. Ten finalists from across the country pitched investment-ready solutions to a panel of investors and development partners.

Among the standout winners is PromisePoint, a women-led agribusiness that processes cassava and has already trained over 10,000 smallholder farmers. The company recently secured a N1 billion supply deal with Nestlé Nigeria. Founder Bukola Joy Farinde called the recognition a validation of their mission to empower rural women as leaders in the food sector.

Also recognized was FriendnPal, a mental health platform powered by AI and designed to provide multilingual, affordable support services. Founder and CEO Esther Eruchie shared that the inspiration came from personal experience, and the funding will help expand the platform’s reach across Africa.

D-Olivette, the third recipient, uses artificial intelligence to run biodigester systems that turn farm waste into clean energy and organic fertilizer. CEO Tunde Adeyemi highlighted Nigeria’s waste problem as a hidden opportunity to drive sustainable energy in rural communities.

Cascador’s leadership praised the winners for their bold ideas and measurable impact. Co-Director Trish Thomas described the ventures as “a blueprint for inclusive growth,” while Executive Director and NSIA judge Chidi Okoro emphasized the ability of these businesses to drive both innovation and social transformation.