Discover how to apply for the NASENI InnovateNaija Challenge 2025. Find out the eligibility, benefits, and application steps for Nigerian students and young innovators. Get funding, mentorship, and national recognition as well!
Are you a young Nigerian with a homegrown, game-changing product in science, engineering, or manufacturing? Apply now for the InnovateNaija Challenge, open to Nigerians aged 15–40 nationwide and stand a chance to win #100million Naira.
NASENI Launches InnovateNaija ₦250 Million Challenge, Nigeria’s Biggest Innovation Challenge to Empower Youth Innovation in Nigeria, Backed by Presidential Support, NASENI Innovation Hub and AfriLabs.
Innovation is the backbone of national growth, and Nigeria is steadily creating platforms to empower its young talents. One such platform is the NASENI InnovateNaija Challenge, an initiative designed for students, tech enthusiasts, and young innovators across the country. This program is more than just a competition—it is a gateway to transforming creative ideas into real-life solutions that can drive Nigeria’s technological and economic development.
In this article, you will discover everything about the NASENI InnovateNaija Challenge 2025, including eligibility, benefits, application process, and frequently asked questions.
What is the NASENI InnovateNaija Challenge?
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) created the InnovateNaija Challenge as a national platform to showcase innovation among Nigerian students and youth. The initiative focuses on developing homegrown solutions in areas such as:
- Renewable energy and clean technology
- Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI)
- Agricultural technology (AgriTech)
- Health-tech and biotechnology
- ICT and software development
- Engineering and industrial designs
By providing mentorship, funding, and visibility, the challenge seeks to turn creative ideas into sustainable businesses that can compete globally.
Objectives and Goals of the InnovateNaija Challenge
The Naseni InnovateNaija Challenge program is aimed at:
- Empowering youth with skills, resources, and opportunities.
- Promoting made-in-Nigeria innovations to reduce reliance on foreign technologies.
- Encouraging collaboration among academia, industries, and government agencies.
- Boosting job creation and entrepreneurial ventures through tech-driven solutions.
- Positioning Nigeria as a hub of African innovation.
Eligibility Criteria
Here are the criteria that make an applicant eligible for the application:
- Applicant must be a Nigerian Citizen
- Applicant must currently reside i Nigeria.
- Applicant must be between the ages of 15-40.
- Applicant’s innovative product must be at any of these stages: Prototype or Fully Developed. Products at idea stages are not eligible for application.
- Applicant’s innovative product must be within the manufacturing, science or engineering sector.
- The applicant product must be original
- Applicant must have an Instagram handle.
- Only one innovation can be submitted per applicant.
- Each innovation submitted must be adaptable and applicable to the Nigerian society.
- Applications from No-tech or low-tech solutions are also welcome.
- Both individuals and teams are eligible to apply.
- Innovative ideas can be submitted in English or local languages with translation.
- Applicant’s innovation must solve a local or community problem.
Benefits of the NASENI InnovateNaija Challenge
Participants and winners of the challenge enjoy several life-changing benefits, including:
- Seed funding and grants to develop prototypes.
- Access to mentorship from experts in science, engineering, and business.
- Technical support and incubation opportunities.
- National recognition and exposure through media and government platforms.
- Partnerships with industries and investors for scaling innovations.
- For many participants, this challenge serves as a springboard to becoming entrepreneurs, job creators, and leaders in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
How to Apply for NASENI InnovateNaija Challenge 2025
- If you are sure that you have met the Eligibility criteria above, visit the NASENI InnovateNaija Challenge portal by clicking this link here.
- Click on Apply now. This will lead you to the InnovateNaija Challenge Form. Please fill out the form by providing the requested information.
- You will be mandated to describe your innovative idea, provide a few minutes videos presentation about your innovation and provide your social media handles.
- After confirming that the information you’ve provided is accurate, submit your application.
- Successful and shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Why You Should Apply
The NASENI InnovateNaija Challenge is more than a competition; it is a transformational opportunity for Nigerian youths to create sustainable solutions while gaining national recognition. With funding, mentorship, and industry partnerships, innovators can turn their ideas into global ventures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for the NASENI InnovateNaija Challenge?
Students, young innovators, and entrepreneurs between 15–40 years old in Nigeria are eligible. - Do I need a finished product to apply?
Applicant’s innovative product must be at any of these stages: Prototype or Fully Developed. Products at idea stages are not eligible for application. - Is there an application fee?
No, the NASENI InnovateNaija Challenge application is free of charge. - What happens if my idea is shortlisted?
You will be invited to pitch your innovation and receive mentoring support. - Can I apply as part of a team?
Yes, team applications are encouraged as long as they meet NASENI’s requirements. - What are the focus areas of the challenge?
An applicant’s innovative product must be within the manufacturing, science, or engineering sector.
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Conclusion
The NASENI InnovateNaija Challenge 2025 is a golden opportunity for Nigerian students and young innovators to showcase their creativity and impact the nation’s development. With proper support, the next big African innovation could come from a young Nigerian through this platform.
If you are a student or innovator passionate about solving problems, don’t miss this chance—prepare your idea and apply now by following the steps provided in this article. For more empowerment post like this, join our social media channels and also subscribe to our email list.
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