NASENI launches ₦250m innovation challenge for youth

Nigeria’s National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has launched a ₦250 million innovation challenge aimed at supporting young inventors with funding, mentorship and access to technology hubs.

The InnovateNaija Challenge, to be unveiled on Thursday, September 4, at the GITEX Nigeria technology fair in Lagos, is designed to identify breakthrough ideas in science, engineering and manufacturing. The programme is supported by AfriLabs and the Presidency, with organisers describing it as Nigeria’s largest youth-focused innovation competition.

The challenge will run for three months and will feature two phases. In the first stage, one innovator will be selected from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, making a total of 37. Each of these innovators will receive ₦2.5 million in grants.

From this pool, the top 15 will qualify for the national finals scheduled to take place at the NASENI Invention Fest in Abuja in February 2026. At the grand finale, the finalists will present their projects to a panel of judges and stakeholders, with the overall winner receiving a ₦100 million grant.

NASENI officials say the competition is part of a wider plan to build Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. It coincides with the pre-launch of the NASENI Innovation Hub in Abuja, which will provide infrastructure, mentorship and research opportunities for young inventors.

Khalil Sulaiman Halilu, NASENI’s executive vice chairman, said the competition reflects a deliberate effort to “foster an environment where innovation can thrive” and turn youth-driven ideas into scalable solutions.

Nigeria has long sought to diversify its economy beyond oil by investing in manufacturing and technology. NASENI also said the InnovateNaija Challenge is a pathway for youth empowerment while strengthening the country’s reputation for creativity and entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, AfriLabs executive director Anna Ekeledo added that the initiative would “spotlight Nigerian ingenuity” and contribute to Africa’s innovation network.

Source: Guardian Nigeria | Read the Full Story…