Igniting Nigeria's Tech Future
The NEXTGEN Innovation Challenge connects Nigerian entrepreneurs, researchers and young talent with global investors, governments and development partners — accelerating the ideas that will define the continent's next decade.
NEXTGEN Innovation Challenge (NGIC) is Nigeria's leading innovation platform — designed to accelerate transformative ideas and technologies aligned with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, positioning Nigeria as a regional science and technology hub.
Submit your idea or venture under one of 11 national thematic tracks through the innovator portal.
Shortlisted innovators are paired with mentors from industry, academia and government.
A residential training bootcamp in Abuja, delivered with Teesside University (UK) and Google.
Top innovators pitch to global investors and partner governments at the international finale.
Every application is submitted under a thematic track aligned to Nigeria's technology and industrial priorities.
AI & Robotics
Autonomous systems and applied machine intelligence built for Nigerian industry.
Green Energy
Renewable generation, storage and grid solutions for energy-resilient communities.
6G & Telecoms
Next-generation connectivity infrastructure for a fully networked Nigeria.
Climate Resilience
Adaptation technology for agriculture, coastlines and vulnerable ecosystems.
Women in Tech
Dedicated pathways and mentorship expanding who gets to build Nigeria's future.
Advanced Semiconductors
Hardware and chip-design capability for a sovereign technology base.
+5 more tracks
Including HealthTech, FinTech, AgriTech, EdTech and advanced manufacturing — full list on the innovator portal.
Challenge Kick-off
Applications open nationwide across all 11 thematic tracks.
Application Deadline
Final date to submit through the NGIC innovator portal.
Training Bootcamp — Abuja
Intensive residential bootcamp delivered with Teesside University (UK) and Google.
Grand Finale
Global pitch finale at the London ExCeL Centre (or Toronto), before investors and partner governments.
Adopted by the Commonwealth
The Challenge model was officially adopted for implementation across all 56 Commonwealth member states in 2025.
£1.5M in investment support
The 2025 winner — an advanced solar platform — secured major investment support at the London Grand Finale.
Featured in a BBC documentary
NGIC's 2025 edition was filmed for an upcoming BBC documentary on African innovation.
Presented at Chatham House
NBTI and partners delivered a joint presentation at Chatham House, London, in December 2025.
For Innovators
Apply before 17 April 2026 to join the next cohort — mentorship, a fully-funded bootcamp and a shot at the global finale.
Start Your ApplicationFor Partners
Join the growing network of governments, universities and investors accelerating Nigeria's innovation pipeline.
Become a Partner