The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has launched InnovateNaija, Nigeria’s largest innovation competition, with a N250 million prize pool to back homegrown inventions in science, engineering, and manufacturing. Backed by the Presidency, NASENI Innovation Hub, and AfriLabs, the contest debuts September 4, 2025, at GITEX Nigeria, Lagos.
The program will spotlight transformative ideas addressing Nigeria’s unique challenges. Winners from each of the 36 states and the FCT will receive N2.5 million, with the top 15 advancing to the grand finale at the NASENI Invention Fest in Abuja, February 2026. The overall winner will secure N100 million in funding.
NASENI also announced the pre-launch of its Abuja Innovation Hub to provide infrastructure, mentorship, and funding. NASENI CEO Khalil Sulaiman Halilu said the initiative will “nurture sparks into scalable solutions,” while AfriLabs’ Anna Ekeledo hailed it as a boost for Africa’s innovation ecosystem. The three-month contest is expected to galvanize nationwide participation and cement Nigeria’s position as a grassroots innovation hub.
