NASENI Unveils ₦250M Innovation Challenge to Empower Nigerian Youth

Written By: Flipbz.org

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has introduced a ₦250 million initiative to ignite innovation among Nigeria’s young inventors. Dubbed the InnovateNaija Challenge, this ambitious program aims to provide funding, mentorship, and access to state-of-the-art technology hubs for the nation’s brightest minds.

Set to be officially launched on Thursday, September 4, at the GITEX Nigeria technology fair in Lagos, the competition seeks groundbreaking ideas in science, engineering, and manufacturing. Backed by AfriLabs and the Presidency, the challenge is being hailed as Nigeria’s most significant youth-centric innovation contest to date.

The InnovateNaija Challenge will unfold over three months in two distinct phases. In the initial stage, one innovator from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory—37 in total—will be awarded ₦2.5 million in grants to develop their concepts. From this group, 15 standout participants will advance to the national finals at the NASENI Invention Fest in Abuja, slated for February 2026. The grand finale will see finalists pitch their projects to a panel of judges and industry leaders, with the top winner securing a transformative ₦100 million grant.

NASENI’s leadership emphasized that the challenge is a cornerstone of efforts to bolster Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. The initiative aligns with the upcoming launch of the NASENI Innovation Hub in Abuja, which will offer young inventors critical resources, including infrastructure, mentorship, and research support.

“This competition is a bold step toward creating an environment where Nigerian youth can turn their ideas into impactful solutions,” said Khalil Sulaiman Halilu, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman. “We’re investing in creativity to drive progress and economic diversification.”

The InnovateNaija Challenge also supports Nigeria’s broader goal of reducing reliance on oil by fostering advancements in technology and manufacturing. By empowering young innovators, NASENI aims to strengthen the country’s position as a hub for entrepreneurship and ingenuity.

Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs, praised the initiative, noting that it will “shine a spotlight on Nigeria’s creative talent and amplify Africa’s innovation ecosystem.”

With the stage set for a transformative competition, the InnovateNaija Challenge promises to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s youth, paving the way for a new era of homegrown innovation.