Pitch2Win5: Talktu outshines 12 finalists to win $10,000 1st prize

Talktu, a platform dedicated to fostering speech and language skills in children, clinched the top prize, $10,000, at the fifth edition of Pitch2Win, a prestigious startup competition held in Lagos on July 30, 2025.

Pitch2Win, organised by TechCircle, serves as a vital launchpad for early-stage, technology-driven Nigerian startups. The competition connects founders with investors and mentors, offering a platform to pitch innovative solutions, secure funding, and gain strategic guidance.

Designed to bolster Nigeria’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, Pitch2Win has propelled past participants like Reliance Health, Curacel, Edves, Lendsqr, and Figorr to collectively raise over $50 million.

This year’s event drew international attention, with delegates from Japan among the attendees, underscoring its growing global influence.

The all-day event in Lagos showcased a diverse array of ideas, from student learning platforms to data extraction tools. Talktu’s focus on social impact and scalability set it apart, earning praise from judges, including Regxta’s founder, who brought firsthand experience as a Pitch2Win alumnus.

The competition’s rigorous selection process highlighted the strength of Nigeria’s tech scene, with finalists demonstrating solutions to pressing challenges across education, commerce, and customer relations.

Talktu, Lumi by HiPrep win

Founded by CEO Sarah Andino, alongside Ibraheem Salako and co-founder Victoria Aigbekean, Talktu outshone 12 finalists, including Billingrails, Case Radar, Cubbes, Eventpadi, Impulse CRM, Iyewo, Kuraway, Midddleman, Lumi by HiPrep, Trackus, and Wetrocloud, to claim the title.

Talktu’s mission resonates deeply with its founders, particularly Andino, who expressed heartfelt commitment to the cause. “This victory fuels our passion to transform lives, especially for children with special needs,” she said during the award ceremony. “We aim to give every child a voice and a chance to thrive.”

The platform provides a safe, interactive space where young users develop communication skills through tailored, engaging activities, addressing a critical gap in educational support for speech development.

Lumi by HiPrep secured two notable awards: the Japan IVS Delegates’ Choice Award, accompanied by a $3,000 prize, and the Audience Choice Award, which came with $1,000, recognising their innovative approach and crowd appeal.

Lumi, developed by HiPrep, functions as an AI-powered personal tutor designed to enhance K-12 education by offering personalised, interactive learning experiences. It acts as a “smart study buddy,” adapting to a student’s current knowledge level and using targeted questions and prompts to deepen understanding before introducing new concepts.

Lumi supports core subjects like Mathematics, English, Sciences, Humanities, Reasoning, Coding, and Languages, fostering skills such as problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity.

Currently in testing with HiPrep’s students, Lumi has received positive feedback for its ability to engage learners effectively.

The platform delivers bite-sized, tutor-led sessions, real-time progress insights, and tailored learning roadmaps to help students build knowledge and confidence, with plans to expand its reach through school partnerships.

Ridwan Olalere, CEO of Lemfi and a keynote speaker, shared practical wisdom with aspiring entrepreneurs. “Save before you start a company,” he advised, emphasising resilience and adaptability. “No one begins with all the answers, but the journey teaches you what you need to know.”

His words resonated with the audience, many of whom were navigating the uncertainties of startup life.

For Talktu, the win brings more than recognition. It unlocks access to mentorship and potential investment, critical resources for scaling their platform to reach more children. The team plans to expand their offerings, integrating advanced tools to personalise learning experiences and support a wider range of speech challenges.

Their vision aligns with Pitch2Win’s goal of nurturing startups that drive meaningful change.