Abuja: The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has unveiled the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026, a platform designed to accelerate innovation, mobilise investment, and position Nigeria for global competitiveness. Director-General of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Raji, announced this on Thursday at a news conference to kick off the NextGen Innovation Challenge of 2026 in Abuja. Raji stated that the programme, organised in partnership with UK-based consultancy firm UKALD, would feature innovation boot camps in Abuja with a grand finale scheduled for October 2026 in London.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the platform is designed to connect entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and emerging innovators with global investors, governments, development finance institutions, multilateral agencies, and private sector partners. Dr. Raji explained that the initiative would build on the successes of the 2025 edition by strengthening capital mobilisation, mentorship, and market access.
Raji noted that the challenge would run as a multi-hub international platform, with editions planned for Doha, Qatar, and London, United Kingdom. He added that mentorship support would be provided through collaborations with Innovate UK, Teesside University London, and Google, among other partners. The selection of entries would be based on technological merit using their Technology Readiness Level Assessment Framework, ensuring submissions are evaluated without bias.
Participants will undergo a three-day innovation boot camp in Abuja in July 2026, focusing on prototype refinement, commercialisation, and investment readiness. The London grand finale will feature global showcases, investor pitching sessions, policy engagements, and deal rooms. Priority areas for the 2026 NextGen Challenge include artificial intelligence and robotics, advanced semiconductors, and digital infrastructure, among others.
Dr. Raji emphasized the importance of innovations around climate-friendly solutions, highlighting growing international funding opportunities. He mentioned that the focused sectors align with Nigeria’s national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals agenda of 2030. NBTI, alongside other stakeholders, is working on a national policy framework to strengthen the commercialisation of research and innovation outcomes, urging universities to turn research prototypes into market-ready products.
The initiative aligns with the economic vision of President Bola Tinubu, underscoring that Nigeria’s greatest resource lies in the creativity of its people. The application for the challenge will begin between February 26 and the end of March 28, with no age limitations, encouraging wide participation.