ABOUT THE NEXTGEN INNOVATION CHALLENGE
The NextGen Innovation Challenge is a pioneering national initiative designed to unlock the immense innovative potential of Nigerian youths, especially from grassroots communities across the 774 local government areas. The challenge was inspired by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which emphasises youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation as cornerstones for national growth and global competitiveness.
🎯 Purpose
This initiative aims to:
- Develop entrepreneurial and innovative thinking among Nigerian youths.
- Bridge the gap between invention and commercialization.
- Position Nigeria as a future global hub for technology and innovation.
- Facilitate partnerships with global investors and innovators.
The NextGen Innovation Challenge is organised by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) under the visionary leadership of Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, in collaboration with the UKALD. The project consultant is Prof. Hari Mohan, an award-winning innovation expert from London South Bank University.
EVENT TIMELINE
|
Stage |
Date |
Location |
|
Kick-off & Press Launch |
May 28, 2025 |
RMRDC, Maitama, Abuja |
|
Registration Opens |
May 28 – June 18, 2025 |
Online via NextGen Portal |
|
State-level Screening & Selection |
June 20 – June 24, 2025 |
36 States + FCT |
|
National Exhibition |
July 9, 2025 |
Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja |
|
Grand Finale |
October 9, 2025 |
Hilton Paddington Hotel, London |
CHALLENGE STRUCTURE
Innovation Categories
Innovators must present original, feasible, and scalable solutions in one or more of the following categories:
Technology & Engineering
- PropTech: Smart homes, structural health sensors, IoT-enabled building safety tools
- RailTech: Advanced safety and automation for metro systems
- Drones & Aerial Systems: Utility drones for agriculture, security, delivery
Digital Innovation
- EduTech: Tools that transform education delivery
- FinTech: Inclusive financial solutions
- IoT: Smart devices and connected systems
- Software & App Development: Scalable digital platforms
- Security Solutions: Surveillance, facial recognition, smart locks
Energy & Environment
- Renewable Energy: Solar tech, mini-grids, energy storage
- AgriTech: Drone irrigation, precision farming, smart sensors
- Nanotech for Oil & Gas: Enhanced exploration techniques
- Modular Refineries: Portable refining innovations
- GreenTech: Sustainable environmental solutions
Health Tech
> Diagnostic and monitoring devices
> Mobile health applications
> Affordable medical tools for rural communities
LONDON GRAND FINALE PRIZE AWARDS
The NextGen Innovation Challenge will culminate in a prestigious Grand Finale in London on July 16th, 2025. The following are the total package awards for the 37 overall innovators emerging from the national challenge that spans all 774 local governments in Nigeria:
All 37 overall winners will receive an all-encompassing support package that includes:
✅ Complete support and exposure of all 37 overall winners to international investors, including venture capital firms and angel investors.
✅ Registration to attend Station F, the world’s largest startup campus in France.
✅ Winners will be attached to NBTI incubation center as resident incubatee or non-resident incubatee.
✅ Full commercialisation support for the winners’ innovative project.
✅ Project development and technical support.
✅ Legal advisory services and Intellectual Property (IP) protection.
✅ Business registration in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
✅ Free registration into the NBTI Global Innovators App.
✅ A presidential handshake in recognition of national excellence.
✅ One-year mentorship by Hari Mohan, award-winning innovator and professor at London Southbank University.
✅ Three years of continuous business development support from UKALD.
✅ Ongoing adoption and endorsement by NBTI.
HOW TO APPLY
Eligibility:
- Nigerian citizen
- Solo or group innovation (maximum 10 per team)
- Must submit original idea, not currently in full commercial production
Required Information:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- NIN Number
- State & Local Government of Origin
- Project Title
- Project Description (max 4000 words)
- Sector Category (e.g., FinTech, HealthTech, IoT, etc.)
- Technical Details
- Project Image (JPEG/PNG)
- Project Video (MP4, max 10 mins)
- Contact Information (Phone, Email, Address)
- Academic Background
- Team Members (if applicable)
📅 Submission Deadline: June 18th, 2025
Partnership & Media
Strategic Partners
Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST)
Ministry of Digital Economy
NUC
NBTE
NYSC
NDE
National Assembly Science & Tech Committees
Global Tech Companies and Incubators
Media Partners
Nigerian Television Authority
TVC
Global Tech News Platforms
University Media & Innovation Journals
FAQs
Who can participate in the challenge?
The challenge is open to Nigerian citizens. Participants can apply individually or as a team.
How can I apply for the challenge?
You can apply by visiting the NextGenInnovation Registration Portal.
What are the criteria for judging the entries?
Entries will be judged based on :
> Originality and creativity of the solution
> Feasibility and scalability of the project
> Technical details and innovation
> The potential social impact and commercial viability
Is there a registration fee to participate in the challenge?
No, there is no registration fee for applying to the NextGen Innovation Challenge.
What happens after the national phase?
The top 37 innovators from the National Phase will be selected for the International Phase, which culminates in the UK Grand Finale.
What happens if I miss the registration deadline?
Unfortunately, we cannot accept late applications. Please ensure that you submit your application before the deadline on June 18, 2025.