The InnovateNaija 2026 Final Pitch Event, organised by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and AfriLabs, took place recently in Nigeria. The event featured 15 finalists from a pool of over 1,200 innovators who applied from across the country's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. These finalists showcased locally developed solutions targeting challenges in transportation, energy, agriculture, healthcare, and education.
The innovations presented included locally fabricated electric vehicles and smart systems designed to improve the monitoring and safe use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Nanko Madu, director of programmes at AfriLabs, stated that the initiative aimed to encourage young Nigerians to identify pressing community challenges and develop practical solutions. The programme attracted applications from various sectors, reflecting the range of challenges that could be addressed through locally developed technologies.
The selection process for InnovateNaija involved public voting, which helped narrow the field to the 15 finalists competing at the final pitch. The winner of the competition will receive ₦100 million to invest in their enterprise, while the second- and third-place winners will receive N30 million and N20 million, respectively. Each state champion is entitled to N2.5 million, and five state winners will receive an additional N5 million following funding commitments from five state governors.
Madu emphasized that support for the innovators extends beyond the prize money. AfriLabs has launched an acceleration programme to help participants strengthen their businesses and access further funding. The programme will guide beneficiaries in deploying funds effectively, developing their enterprises, and connecting with additional sources of capital. It will also link innovators with investors, government institutions, and corporate organisations interested in supporting or adopting their solutions.
One of the finalists, Elizabeth Chiketarauba, founder and CEO of Elinovatech, showcased Tokunova, a locally fabricated electric vehicle designed for the Nigerian market. The innovation aims to address high transportation and fuel costs while providing a locally designed alternative to imported electric vehicles. Another finalist, Chinyere Onwumelu, co-founder of ANSOP, presented a gas-level monitoring and community metering system to help households monitor LPG levels and detect leakages.
Khalil Suleiman Halilu, executive vice chairman and CEO of NASENI, noted that Nigeria needs stronger links between ideas, production, and commercial opportunities. He stated that InnovateNaija was established around three principles: creation, collaboration, and commercialisation. Halilu urged the finalists to focus on clearly communicating the problems their innovations solve and to turn their ideas into useful products that people will pay for.
The InnovateNaija programme demonstrates the potential of young Nigerians to develop solutions to local problems when given the opportunity and support. The FutureMakers programme, targeting young innovators aged 10-16, also attracted over 2,000 applications from Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. Madu expressed hope that InnovateNaija will lead to more initiatives supporting innovation at the local level, including greater involvement from government agencies and sector-specific institutions.
Key points
- The InnovateNaija competition offers a N100 million grand prize to the winner.
- The programme includes an acceleration phase to support innovators in deploying funds effectively and accessing additional funding.
- The innovations presented address various challenges, including energy, transportation, and healthcare.
