President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today present prize grants to the final winners of three innovation competitions organized by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Aso Rock, Abuja. The competitions include the Innovate Naija competition, FutureMakers by NASENI, and Intra-Inter Agency Innovation awards. These awards mark the completion of the maiden edition of innovation competitions by NASENI to identify innovative ideas that can translate to commercial ventures, create jobs, and spur Nigeria’s technological and industrial renewal.
The President will meet the national winners of FutureMakers by NASENI, three final national and regional winners of the InnovateNaija Competition, and six winners of the Intra-Inter Agency Innovation Competitions. All winners will receive cash grants to develop their ideas from the early stage to commercial ventures. The grants aim to support the winners in turning their innovative ideas into viable businesses. This initiative is part of NASENI's efforts to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
In the FutureMakers by NASENI competition, six young innovators emerged from 60 participants in the zonal competition to participate in the national pitching exercise. They will compete for a N5 million national prize and a range of opportunities designed to support their continued innovation journey. This competition is part of the 2026 edition of FutureMakers by NASENI, a youth innovation programme aimed at identifying, nurturing, and empowering young Nigerians between the ages of 5 and 16 to develop technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges.
The InnovateNaija competition saw 37 state winners make it to the final stage, out of which three national winners will emerge. The challenge aims to ignite creativity and generate vibrant energy within Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. The national champion will win N100 million, the second place will win N30 million, and the third place will win N20 million to further translate their ideas into commercial ventures.
The top six winners of the NASENI Intra-Inter Agency Competitions from NASENI headquarters and Development Institutes and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) will also be presented with their prizes totaling N162 million. The prize money includes N140 million to be shared by the three winners from the MDAs competition and N22.5 million to go to the three winners from the Intra-Agency competition.
The award ceremony is a significant milestone in NASENI's efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. By providing financial support to the winners, NASENI aims to enable them to turn their innovative ideas into viable businesses that can create jobs and contribute to the country's economic growth. The initiative also underscores the importance of collaboration between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and young innovators in driving Nigeria's technological and industrial renewal.
The event marks a crucial step in Nigeria's quest to become a hub for innovation and technological advancement. With the support of NASENI and the Federal Government, young innovators have the opportunity to showcase their talents and turn their ideas into reality. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of economic development, initiatives like the NASENI innovation competitions are crucial in unlocking the potential of Nigeria's youthful population and driving sustainable economic growth.
Key points
- President Tinubu to present prize grants to winners of NASENI innovation competitions in Abuja today.
- NASENI's innovation competitions aim to identify and support innovative ideas that can create jobs and drive Nigeria's technological and industrial renewal.
- The competitions include the Innovate Naija, FutureMakers by NASENI, and Intra-Inter Agency Innovation awards, with a total prize money of N162 million.
