Applications are now open for the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAEng) Innovation Competition 2026, a national call for innovative engineering-driven solutions that address Nigeria’s pressing challenges. The competition invites individuals and groups to submit original innovations across diverse areas of engineering and technology with strong potential for societal and economic impact.
The NAEng Innovation Competition is designed to identify, recognise, and support practical innovations that can contribute to national development. Beyond rewards, the programme offers winning innovators the opportunity to scale their ideas by connecting them with investors and relevant stakeholders.
Areas of Focus
Submissions may fall within any discipline or aspect of engineering, including but not limited to ICT and telecommunications, agriculture and food processing, energy and energy transition, renewable energy, infrastructure development, health and health management, waste management and environmental protection, transportation, mining and mineral processing, artificial intelligence and robotics, climate change and ecological challenges, and manufacturing.
Why This Competition Matters
Nigeria faces complex development challenges that require locally driven, technically sound solutions. This competition provides a platform for innovators to showcase ideas that solve real national problems, gain visibility, attract investment, and move from concept to scalable impact. It also strengthens the culture of innovation and engineering creativity across the country.
Benefits
Winning innovations will receive support to scale and attract investment. Prizes include cash rewards, public recognition, promotion of winning concepts to investors, as well as certificates and plaques awarded by the Nigerian Academy of Engineering.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Open to all Nigerians, except Fellows of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering
Open to engineers, scientists, technologists, technicians, craftsmen, and other professionals involved in engineering creativity
Collaborative and team-based submissions are allowed and encouraged
Innovations must address identifiable national problems or challenges
Submissions must demonstrate clear engineering content
Entries may be self-nominated or nominated by third parties
Application Process
The competition will be conducted in two stages.
Stage 1: Concept Note Submission
Prospective participants are required to submit a concept note describing their innovation. The concept note should include a brief description of the innovation and the problem it addresses, the societal and economic benefits, an outline of the engineering processes involved, the current stage of development of the prototype, relevant sketches or illustrations, and profiles of key participants or organisations involved.
Submissions at this stage must not exceed 20 A4 pages, should be in PDF format, and must be sent by email to info@nae.ng. The deadline for Stage 1 submissions is Friday, December 19, 2025. Entries will be screened based on innovation level, originality, engineering content, and relevance to national development. Only shortlisted applicants will advance to Stage 2.
Stage 2: Full Proposal Submission
Shortlisted participants will be given one month to further develop their innovations and submit a full proposal. Stage 2 will run from Thursday, January 15 to Friday, March 13, 2026. Detailed guidelines for this stage will be shared with shortlisted applicants. Winners of the competition will be publicly announced in June 2026.
How to Apply
All Stage 1 entries should be emailed to info@nae.ng on or before Friday, December 19, 2025.
