Are you a young Nigerian with a homegrown solution in science, engineering, or manufacturing? The NASENI InnovateNaija Challenge 2025 is here to support your creativity with up to ₦250 million in grant prizes.
This national competition is open to Nigerians aged 15–40 and seeks to empower innovators who are passionate about solving real problems with practical solutions.
Table of Contents
What is the InnovateNaija Challenge?
The NASENI InnovateNaija Challenge is an initiative of NASENI (National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure) aimed at discovering and supporting the next generation of Nigerian inventors.
The challenge encourages participants to showcase their inventions through short videos, with 37 winners selected from across all states and the FCT. It is designed to:
- Empower Nigerian youths with funding and recognition
- Promote innovation at grassroots and national levels
- Strengthen partnerships between innovators, academia, and private sector
- Support local solutions for Nigeria’s economic growth
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to:
Innovators and Inventors
- Young Nigerians aged 15–40 years
- Innovators in science, engineering, or manufacturing
- Individuals creating low-tech or high-tech solutions for real-world problems
Students, Researchers, and STEM Professionals
- Students and researchers in science, technology, engineering, and related fields
- Young professionals working on homegrown innovations
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Campaign Goals
- Empower Nigerian Innovators with funding and national recognition
- Strengthen the Innovation Ecosystem through private and academic partnerships
- Support Economic Diversification by solving local challenges with local solutions
- Promote Innovation Culture across grassroots, academia, and industries
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for NASENI InnovateNaija Challenge 2025, you must meet the following:
- Must be a citizen and resident of Nigeria
- Age range: 15–40 years
- Product must be a prototype or fully developed (idea-stage entries are not eligible)
- Must be an original innovation created by the applicant/team
- Innovation must solve a local problem or improve community life
- Entries accepted in English or local languages (with translation)
- Individuals and teams are welcome (one contact person required for teams)
- Applicants must not be fully-funded startups
- Must have an Instagram account for public voting
Areas of Participation
- For Government & Public Institutions: Opportunities to collaborate in supporting innovators
- For Private Sector, Research Institutions & Academia: Partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem
Challenge Approach
The NASENI InnovateNaija Challenge follows four stages:
1. Call for Applications (4 Weeks)
- Submit application via the NASENI Innovation Hub website
- Upload a 2-minute video pitch showcasing the innovation and its impact
2. Public Voting (2 Weeks)
- Top 5 entries per state will be shortlisted
- Videos will be shared for public voting on Instagram
3. State-Level Selection (37 Winners)
- Highest-voted entry from each state wins ₦2.5 million
- Winners move to the national stage
4. National Stage & Final Selection
- 37 winners submit another video for voting
- Top 15 finalists selected for a live pitch in Abuja
- Final Grant Awards: 1st Place: ₦100 million , 2nd Place: ₦30 million and 3rd Place: ₦20 million
Grant Prize Breakdown
- ₦100 million – First place
- ₦30 million – Second place
- ₦20 million – Third place
- ₦2.5 million each – 37 state winners
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How to Apply
- Visit the NASENI Innovation Hub website HERE
- Fill out the application form with details of your innovation
- Upload a 2-minute video pitch
- Share your entry on Instagram to gain visibility and votes
Application Deadline
The application deadline will be announced on the NASENI official portal. Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare early to avoid missing out.
Why You Should Apply
- Access to funding support for your innovation
- Nationwide recognition for your ideas
- Opportunity to connect with government, private sector, and academia
- A chance to be part of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem
