The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has launched the Nigerian Content Research, Innovation and Technology Challenge 2025/2026, inviting innovators, research institutions, academia, oil and gas service providers and the general public to submit technology-driven solutions to key challenges in the oil, gas and energy sectors.
The initiative, which commenced in December 2025, is designed to identify, nurture and commercialise home-grown innovations that can strengthen local capacity across the oil and gas industry and its linked value chains. Successful applicants will be admitted into the NCDMB Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where selected ideas will be further developed for market readiness.
According to the Board, submitted proposals must align with approved thematic areas and priority industry needs, reflecting Nigeria’s drive to deepen local content, reduce import dependence and support indigenous technology-driven enterprises. The challenge targets solutions in geological and geophysical studies, local materials substitution, technology development, health, safety and environmental management, engineering studies and renewable energy.
In geological and geophysical studies, the focus is on innovations related to exploration, big data analytics and real-time logging data processing. Proposals under local materials substitution are expected to address sustainable materials for environmental remediation, cryogenic technology for liquefied natural gas and refining applications, as well as ultra-high temperature cementing solutions.
For technology development, the Board is seeking innovations in digitalisation, Internet of Things applications for exploration and production activities and condensate refining. Health, safety and environmental submissions are expected to cover carbon capture, utilization and storage, produced water management, technologies and hydrogen production.
Engineering-focused proposals are expected to address challenges in enhanced oil recovery, refinery efficiency, laboratory analytical equipment, drilling technology, instrumentation and control systems. In renewable energy, the Board is inviting solutions in solar and wind technologies, as well as energy storage options including batteries, hydrogen and thermal storage.
The NCDMB said proposals, limited to 1,500 words, must be submitted within one month of publication. From the entries received, 30 proposals will be shortlisted for mentorship, with the number narrowed to 10 at the second stage and five finalists selected at the final pitch session.
The top five finalists will receive cash prizes, mentorship and media exposure, while the top 10 participants will be onboarded into the Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre for continued support towards commercialisation. The Board said the initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, support MSMEs and startups in the energy space and accelerate the development of locally driven solutions for the oil and gas industry.
