Applications are now open for the 2025 NAEng Innovation Competition, organized by the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAEng). The competition seeks to identify, encourage, and reward inventive solutions in engineering and technology that directly address Nigeria’s development challenges.
This year’s edition spans several key sectors including ICT and telecommunications, agriculture and food processing, energy and renewables, infrastructure, health, waste management, transportation, mining, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, climate change, and manufacturing.
The competition will be held in two stages: concept note submission and full proposal submission for shortlisted participants.
Why It Matters
- Encourages local innovation and problem-solving across engineering and technology.
- Promotes collaboration between Nigerian scientists, engineers, and inventors.
- Provides exposure and opportunities for mentorship, investment, and commercialization.
- Contributes to Nigeria’s economic development and industrial growth through homegrown solutions.
Who Can Apply
The competition is open to all Nigerians except Fellows of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering. Eligible applicants include:
- Engineers, scientists, technologists, technicians, and craftsmen.
- Individuals or teams engaged in creative technical work or product design.
- Both self-nominations and third-party nominations are allowed.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must ensure that their submission:
- Demonstrates clear engineering or technical content.
- Addresses a relevant national problem.
- Shows evidence of a prototype, concept, or solution in development.
- Includes collaboration if possible (team submissions are encouraged).
Competition Format and Timeline
Stage 1: Concept Note Submission
- Opens: October 20, 2025
- Closes: December 19, 2025
- Concept Note Requirements:
- Overview of the innovation and the problem addressed.
- Social and economic benefits of the innovation.
- Engineering methods involved.
- Prototype development stage and supporting sketches or illustrations.
- Profiles of key contributors.
- Must not exceed 20 A4 pages (PDF format).
- Submission: Email your entry to info@nae.ng by Friday, December 19, 2025.
Stage 2: Full Proposal Submission
- Shortlisted innovators will be invited to develop full proposals.
- Timeline: January 15 – March 13, 2026.
- Winners will be announced in June 2026.
Awards and Benefits
Winners will receive:
- Cash prizes, plaques, and certificates.
- Public recognition and media visibility.
- Support for commercialization and investment opportunities.
- Mentorship and networking with experts, investors, and industry leaders.
Past prize pools have reached tens of millions of Naira, offering innovators significant financial and professional growth opportunities.
How to Apply
Submit your concept note (PDF) to info@nae.ng by December 19, 2025.
For more information, visit the official NAEng website: http://www.nae.ng/
