NASENI Ignites Innovation: N100 Million Grant Challenge for Young Nigerian Innovators

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has launched the InnovateNaija Challenge, a nationwide competition offering a substantial N100 million in grant prizes to young Nigerian innovators. This initiative aims to foster homegrown solutions to the nation’s challenges by supporting inventors in science, engineering, and manufacturing.

Key Takeaways

Prize Pool: Up to N100 million in grant prizes.
Eligibility: Nigerians aged 15-40 with prototypes or developed products.
Focus Areas: Science, Engineering, and Manufacturing.
Application Process: Online form submission and a 2-minute video pitch on social media.

About the InnovateNaija Challenge

The NASENI InnovateNaija Challenge is designed to identify and empower emerging talent across Nigeria. It provides not only financial support but also crucial recognition, mentorship, and a platform for innovators to scale their ideas and attract potential investors. The program specifically targets grassroots inventors who are developing practical solutions to everyday Nigerian problems.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the InnovateNaija Challenge, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a Nigerian citizen.
Be between the ages of 15 and 40.
Have a prototype or a fully developed product (ideas alone are not eligible).
Be a resident of Nigeria.
Be active on social media platforms like Instagram.

Both individuals and teams are encouraged to apply, with teams required to designate a lead contact person.

The Selection Process

The selection process is multi-staged to ensure a thorough evaluation of all participants:

Application and Video Pitch: Applicants submit their proposals and a short video pitch through the NASENI Innovation Hub and social media.
Public Voting: The top 5 entries from each state are shortlisted based on public votes.
State Winners: One winner from each of the 37 states will receive N2.5 million each.
National Finals: Fifteen finalists will compete in a live pitching event in Abuja, where the top three national winners will be selected by a panel of judges.

Prize Breakdown

The challenge boasts a total prize fund of N250 million, distributed as follows:

State Winners: 37 winners, each receiving N2.5 million.
National Winners: Three top innovators will receive N100 million, N30 million, and N20 million, respectively.

How to Apply

Interested innovators can apply by completing the application form available on the NASENI Innovation Hub website. Additionally, applicants must submit a 2-minute video pitch on Instagram or Twitter, tagging @nasenihq and @nasenhub, and using the hashtags #InnovateNaija, #NASENI, #NASENIInnovationHub, #YouthInnovation, and #NASENIImpact. Engaging one’s network to garner support during the public voting phase is also a key part of the application process.

The application window runs for four weeks from the launch date, followed by a two-week public voting period, and subsequent state and national selections culminating in the finals in Abuja.