Nigeria’s innovation landscape just got a massive upgrade with the launch of the most ambitious invention challenge the country has ever seen.
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), in partnership with AfriLabs, has unveiled the groundbreaking Innovate Naija Challenge – a nationwide initiative designed to identify, fund, and scale local inventions across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
N250 Million Prize Pool: Biggest Innovation Investment in Nigeria’s History
The challenge, which boasts a staggering N250 million total cash prize, was officially announced by Anas Balarabe Yazid, Special Adviser on Commercialisation to the Executive Vice-Chairman of NASENI, at the GITEX Nigeria Startup Festival 2025 on Thursday.
“If you’ve built something that works, even if it’s rough around the edges, this stage is for you,” Yazid declared to an audience of innovators and tech enthusiasts.
How It Works: From Local Labs to Global Markets
The Innovate Naija Challenge follows a structured approach designed to ensure maximum participation and fair representation:
Step 1: Nationwide Application
- Open to inventors from all 36 states and the FCT
- Submit applications online
- Post on social media tagging @NASENIhub and @NASENIHQ
Step 2: State-Level Selection
- NASENI will shortlist 5 innovations per state and the FCT
- Public voting determines 37 state winners
Step 3: National Finals
- 15 finalists pitch live at the NASENI Invention Festival
- Winners selected based on innovation potential and scalability
Beyond Cash Prizes: The Real Value Proposition
While the N250 million prize pool is impressive, the real game-changer lies in what winners get access to:
🏢 NASENI Innovation Hub Incubation Programme
Winners gain admission to NASENI’s comprehensive incubation program, providing structured support for scaling their inventions.
🔬 Access to 12 NASENI Institutes
Inventors get access to NASENI’s network of specialized institutes, each focused on different aspects of science and engineering innovation.
🏭 Centre of Excellence in Abuja
Winners can utilize world-class machinery, laboratories, and manufacturing support facilities in the nation’s capital.
Government Backing: Matching Funds Strategy
In a move that demonstrates serious commitment to innovation, state governors and the FCT minister have been invited to match NASENI’s support for winners from their respective states.
“The seed planted here can grow right at home,” Yazid emphasized, highlighting the local-to-global approach of the initiative.
The Vision: Nigerian Ingenuity Becomes Nigerian Industry
The challenge operates on three powerful principles that could reshape Nigeria’s innovation landscape:
- “Build here, sell to the world” – Emphasizing local manufacturing with global market potential
- “Innovation lives in every LGA” – Recognizing that genius isn’t limited to major cities
- “Nigerian ingenuity becomes Nigerian industry” – Transforming ideas into economic powerhouses
Leadership That Gets It
Yazid took time to commend Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman of NASENI, describing his leadership approach as “practical, inclusive, and brave — funding what works, elevating women innovators, and opening NASENI’s doors to everyone who can build.”
This leadership philosophy signals a new era for NASENI – one that prioritizes results over bureaucracy and inclusion over exclusion.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture
The Innovate Naija Challenge represents more than just another competition. It’s a strategic intervention designed to:
- Democratize innovation funding across all Nigerian states
- Bridge the gap between invention and commercialization
- Create sustainable pathways from idea to industry
- Leverage social media and public engagement to identify truly impactful solutions
- Build a national innovation ecosystem that works for everyone
Ready to Change the Game?
If you’re an inventor, tinkerer, or problem-solver with a solution that works – even if it needs refinement – the Innovate Naija Challenge could be your launchpad to transforming local innovation into global impact.
The message is clear: Nigeria is ready to back its innovators like never before.
