NASENI unveils N250m youth innovation challenge to attract solutions

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has announced a N250 million competition known as the InnovateNaija Challenge to empower youths to proffer solutions using technology.

This challenge is designed to back young innovators in science, engineering, and manufacturing with funding, mentorship, and access to technology hubs.

“The challenge is part of a broader strategy to cultivate innovation-friendly spaces where youth-led ideas can grow into scalable solutions,” Khalil Halilu, NASENI’s executive vice-chairman, stated.

The challenge spans three months and unfolds in two phases. In the first phase, one innovator from each of Nigeria’s 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) makes a total of 37 participants that will be selected.

Each of these winners will receive a N2.5 million grant to support their innovation, according to the organisers.

The top 15 innovators from the initial pool will proceed to the national finals, to be held at the NASENI Invention Fest in Abuja in February 2026.

At this event, contestants will pitch their projects to a panel of judges and stakeholders. The overall winner will be awarded a N100 million grant.

The InnovateNaija Challenge also marks the pre-launch of the NASENI Innovation Hub in Abuja. A hub which aims to foster an environment that supports infrastructure, mentorship, and research to help young inventors bring their ideas to market.

“InnovateNaija will help spotlight Nigeria’s creative potential and reinforce the continent-wide innovation ecosystem,” Anna Ekeledo, executive director of AfriLabs, said.