The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has launched a ₦250 million innovation challenge to support young inventors with funding, mentorship, and access to technology hubs.
The InnovateNaija Challenge, unveiled on Thursday at the GITEX Nigeria technology fair in Lagos, is described as Nigeria’s largest youth-focused innovation competition. Backed by AfriLabs and the Presidency, the programme seeks to identify breakthrough ideas in science, engineering, and manufacturing.
The three-month competition will begin with one innovator selected from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, each receiving a ₦2.5 million grant. From this pool, 15 finalists will advance to the national finals at the NASENI Invention Fest in Abuja in February 2026, where the overall winner will secure a ₦100 million grant.
NASENI Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Sulaiman Halilu, said the initiative reflects a deliberate effort to “foster an environment where innovation can thrive” and turn youth-driven ideas into scalable solutions. The competition also coincides with the pre-launch of the NASENI Innovation Hub in Abuja, which will provide infrastructure, mentorship, and research opportunities for young inventors.
AfriLabs Executive Director, Anna Ekeledo, said the initiative would “spotlight Nigerian ingenuity” while contributing to Africa’s broader innovation network.
