The Federal Government has announced a ₦250 million fund to support young innovators across Nigeria through the InnovateNaija Challenge, a nationwide competition aimed at identifying, nurturing, and scaling transformative ideas in science, engineering, and manufacturing.

The initiative, led by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in collaboration with AfriLabs, was officially launched at GITEX Nigeria 2025 in Lagos. The programme seeks to bridge funding and support gaps that often prevent Nigerian innovators from moving beyond prototypes into scalable businesses.

Under the framework, 37 innovators one from each state and the FCT will be selected in the first phase through video submissions and public voting. Each state-level winner will receive a ₦2.5 million grant to further develop their projects.

The top 15 innovators from this stage will advance to the grand finale in February 2026 at the NASENI Invention Fest in Abuja, where they will pitch before expert judges, policymakers, and investors.

At stake is an ₦100 million grant for the national winner, with additional funding opportunities for two runners-up.

Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NASENI, Khalil Halilu, said the challenge reflects government’s commitment to fostering a culture of problem-solving and technological advancement.

“As we gear up towards the InnovateNaija Challenge, which is set to identify, empower, and support Nigeria’s most promising young innovators, we at NASENI are committed to fostering an environment where these innovations can thrive,” Halilu said.

He added that NASENI has established an Innovation Hub in Abuja to serve as a breeding ground for transformative ideas, ensuring the challenge becomes a launchpad for scalable solutions. The hub will provide critical infrastructure, mentorship, capacity building, and funding opportunities, while promoting collaboration between innovators, academia, and industry players.

AfriLabs Executive Director, Anna Ekeledo, described the partnership as a demonstration of the role of innovation in driving Nigeria’s economic transformation.

“By empowering innovators across all states in Nigeria, this competition not only fuels creativity but also strengthens the innovation ecosystem,” she said.

The InnovateNaija Challenge officially launched on September 4 at GITEX Nigeria and will run for three months. Organisers said the programme aims to showcase grassroots creativity while positioning Nigeria as a hub for African innovation.

By targeting young innovators nationwide with direct financial and structural support, the Federal Government hopes the initiative will unlock local solutions to pressing national challenges, from energy and healthcare to manufacturing and digital technology.