InnovateNaija was launched on September 4, 2025, at GITEX Nigeria in Lagos, designed to empower young creative minds across the nation and turn their ideas into scalable solutions.
This program, spearheaded by NASENI in collaboration with AfriLabs, aims to energize Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and bolster homegrown innovations.
The InnovateNaija program represents a movement to advance Nigerian ingenuity on a national scale. This competition seeks inventive solutions that address everyday challenges faced by millions. The launch event, held at Landmark Event Centre’s 10x stage, attracted influential policymakers, industry leaders, and young innovators eager to make a difference.
NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Sulaiman Halilu, described the project as a platform to unlock Nigeria’s vast creative potential. He emphasized support beyond monetary rewards, including mentorship, access to specialized tools, and global exposure. He recounted the story of a resourceful young inventor from Kano who crafted an affordable water purifier, exemplifying the transformative power of grassroots innovations.
The contest will select 37 participants, one from each state and the Federal Capital Territory, after a rigorous public voting process. These outstanding innovators will each receive ₦2.5 million grants to refine their concepts. Subsequently, 15 finalists will compete at the NASENI Invention Festival in Abuja in February 2026, where the ultimate winner stands to gain ₦100 million to accelerate their innovation for commercial success.
Affiliated with the competition is the NASENI Innovation Hub in Abuja, set to be a vital resource offering infrastructure, mentorship, and research support. The agency’s renewed philosophy, championed by Halilu since his appointment in 2023, revolves around creation, collaboration, and commercialization to transform research into market-ready products.
Khalil Halilu stated that this challenge is more than a contest; it’s a movement designed to empower Nigeria’s youth to create solutions that not only alleviate local problems but can also scale across Africa.
Honourable Minister of Youth Ayodele Olawande stressed the youth’s role in Nigeria’s digital future, while Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo affirmed government backing for this program.
