The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has launched the InnovateNaija Challenge, a nationwide innovation competition that invites young Nigerians with science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing ideas to compete for a share of a ₦140 million prize pool, mentorship, and ecosystem support. It is part of a broader effort to nurture homegrown innovations and accelerate solutions that address local problems while strengthening Nigeria’s industrial and tech capability.
Innovation ecosystems need platforms that turn ideas into funded, scalable solutions. The InnovateNaija Challenge does this by offering significant grants, public visibility, and structured pathways from concept to commercialization. It also ties into the NASENI Innovation Hub initiative, which aims to bridge infrastructure, training, and funding gaps for innovators in Nigeria’s science and technology sectors.
What You Can Win (Benefits)
💰 Grants & Financial Support
₦100 million for the overall winner
₦2.5 million for each of the 37 state/FCT winners
Additional prizes for other top finalists at the national level
📣 Showcase & Pitch Opportunities
Finalists pitch to industry experts, judges, and stakeholders at the NASENI Invention Fest in Abuja (February 2026), gaining exposure and networking opportunities.
🤝 Mentorship & Ecosystem Support
Participants receive mentorship, exploration of commercialization pathways, and potential access to the NASENI Innovation Hub, which offers infrastructure, capacity building, and incubation support.
Who Should Apply (Eligibility)
The competition is open to:
Young innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and inventors across Nigeria
Projects focused on science, engineering, manufacturing, technology, and applied innovation
Ideas or prototypes that can be scaled, commercialised, or address local challenges with potential economic or social impact
No specific academic level or existing business registration is mentioned, the focus is on ideas and solutions with real potential.
How the Competition Works
📌 Phase 1: State-Level Selection
Innovators from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) submit entries (often via video or online submission) that are evaluated and voted on. One winner from each region earns ₦2.5 million grants.
📌 Phase 2: National Finals
The top 15 innovators are selected to advance to the national final round at the NASENI Invention Fest in Abuja. Finalists present their innovations to judges and stakeholders, and the top prizes are awarded.
The programme runs over approximately three months, combining public engagement, voting, pitches, and final evaluations.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Prepare your innovation summary: Focus on what problem you’re solving, how your solution works, and any evidence of testing or results.
Record a short video (as required by the submission guidelines) explaining your innovation’s value and impact.
