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Join on Telegram Africa’s largest early-stage startup competition is back and bigger than ever. The Supernova Challenge 2.0 returns to GITEX Africa 2025 in Morocco with a massive $110,000 equity-free prize pool up-for-grabs.
Inspired by Dubai’s Expand North Star, the world’s largest startup event, the prestigious Supernova Challenge 2.0 competition offers African entrepreneurs a rare spotlight on the global stage.
Last year’s winner, the startup Lupiya, proved exactly why these platforms matter. The company has revolutionized African banking with its AI-driven neobank, tackling head-on the continent’s persistent challenges in financial accessibility.
After winning last year’s GITEX Africa Supernova Challenge and using the prize money to refine their AI model, Lupiya secured $500,000 and were looking to close another $3M from another investore and is on a trajectory to raise $10 Million to meet growing demantes, as was said in a breakfast briefing at GITEX Global in October 2024.
Lupiya’s co-founder and CTO Muchu Kaingu said that “GITEX AFRICA is a great platform! Coming from a small country in Sub-Saharan Africa,” showing gratitude “for the opportunities this competition made ‘possible’” for them. “The Award is a recognition of all the hard work that we put in building this business, and it is a great visibility to attract more investors!” he added.
“This is your chance to shine on the global stage,” say the organizers. “We’re looking for visionaries ready to take their ventures to the next level.”
Unlike previous editions, the 2025 competition eliminates sector-specific categories. Instead, the selection committee will evaluate startups across various metrics, ensuring diverse sector representation.
Special mention and sponsored awards will maintain specific criteria, accessible through the Exhibitor Portal.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The first-place winner walks away with $50,000, while second and third place secure $30,000 and $20,000 respectively.
Additional special awards include $5,000 each for Women in Tech and Young CEO Award winners, “Sponsored by Orange.” Regional recognition comes through the GITEX Asia, Europe, and Nigeria Awards, plus the Expand North Star Dubai Award sponsored by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.
Judges will scrutinize applicants on several fronts. Innovation stands first, followed by market opportunity assessment covering size, competition, and scalability potential. Business models will face rigorous examination, particularly revenue strategies, pricing approaches, and target customer identification.
Traction matters too — judges want to see evidence of revenue, existing customers, or investor backing. Team composition plays a crucial role, as does the quality of the pitch itself, from storytelling clarity to visual presentation.
How it works
The competition structure is intense but straightforward. From all applicants, 40 startups will advance to the semi-finals, pitching in-person on Day 1.
Only the top 10 scorers move to the finals on Day 3, where winners emerge. For special mention awards, 10 startups per category will pitch on Day 2.
Time management is critical for competitors. Semi-finalists get just three minutes to pitch, plus two minutes for questions. In the finals, the pitch window shrinks to two minutes, though question time extends to four minutes.
Having said that, only one team member can deliver the pitch onstage, adding pressure to select the most compelling speaker.
The judging panels comprise sector experts with diverse backgrounds spanning investment, commercial operations, and entrepreneurship.
For African startups seeking breakthrough opportunities, the Supernova Challenge represents more than just prize money – it’s a launchpad to global recognition, investor connections, and market expansion.
As applications closed on March 30, the continent’s selected brightest innovators are already perfecting their pitches’ presentation for what promises to be Africa’s most competitive startup showdown yet.
One thing’s for sure – in just a few short days these startups are expected to bring innovative and fresh ideas to the GITEX Africa 2025 arena, and Africa is ready.
