The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has officially launched the Nigerian Content Research, Innovation and Technology Challenge 2025/2026, aimed at supporting innovative solutions for the oil and gas sector and its linked industries.
The initiative invites individuals, research institutions, academia, oil and gas industry suppliers, and members of the public to submit proposals for evaluation and potential admission into the NCDMB Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre (TIIC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
According to the Board, the challenge seeks to identify and develop technologies that address critical industry needs across specific thematic areas, including Geological and Geophysical Studies, Local Materials Substitution, Technology Development, Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Studies, Engineering, and Renewable Energy.
Proposals in Geological and Geophysical Studies should focus on exploration solutions, big data analytics, and real-time logging data processing. Local Materials Substitution proposals must explore sustainable materials for environmental remediation, cryogenic LNG technology, refinery applications, and ultra-high temperature pressure cementing. Technology Development submissions are expected to cover denationalisation technologies, IoT applications in exploration and production, and condensate refining technologies.
For HSE studies, proposals should address carbon capture and utilisation, depollution and produced water management systems, and hydrogen production techniques. Engineering studies proposals should focus on enhanced oil recovery, refining unit efficiency, laboratory and materials testing equipment, drilling technologies, instrumentation, and control systems. Renewable Energy entries should propose solutions in solar, wind, energy storage systems including batteries, hydrogen storage, and thermal storage technologies.
Each submission must not exceed 1,500 words and should be sent via email to info@tiic.com.ng within one month of the challenge announcement.
The competition will proceed in stages: the first stage will select 30 proposals, with mentors assigned to guide teams in developing compelling demos and presentations. This will be reduced to 10 in the second stage, and ultimately five finalists will compete on the final day. Winners will present their innovations to corporate venture capitalists for potential investment, market expansion, and business growth opportunities.
The top five winners will receive cash prizes, mentorship, and media exposure, while the top 10 participants will gain onboarding into the TIIC at the Nigerian Content Tower for further development and commercialisation of their innovations.
The NCDMB initiative is expected to stimulate innovation, promote local content development, and strengthen the role of SMEs and startups in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
