By Atoyebi Nike
The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has officially launched the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025, a national initiative aimed at discovering and elevating grassroots inventors across Nigeria. The programme, unveiled in Abuja, seeks to position Nigeria as a global hub for technology and innovation by harnessing local talent in every community.
With the theme “From Grassroots to Global Recognition: Igniting Nigeria’s Innovation Renaissance”, the initiative targets inventors, innovators, and creatives—especially those with little or no access to mainstream platforms—providing them with visibility, technical support, and investor opportunities.
Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Nnaji, speaking through his Senior Special Adviser, Dr. Robert Ngwu, described the challenge as a national movement to democratize innovation. “No talent will be left behind. Whether your idea is large or small, it deserves to be seen, nurtured, and scaled,” he said.
The programme is being driven by the NBTI in collaboration with UKALD, a UK-based innovation consultancy, along with several strategic partners. It aims to dismantle the systemic barriers that hinder local inventors, particularly in underserved communities.
According to the Minister, the challenge will extend to all 774 local government areas, building an inclusive pipeline of inventors and tech entrepreneurs. “We are talking about innovations in drones, clean energy, smart agriculture, mobility solutions, and more. These innovators will be given the tools and exposure they need to succeed,” he added.
The Director-General of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes industrialization, technological advancement, and youth empowerment. “This isn’t just about finding geniuses. It’s about empowering real people in real communities—from Osogbo to Bauchi, Yenagoa to Sokoto,” he said.
Raji further announced the development of a digital portal and mobile app to serve as a nationwide showcase and support system for innovators. He revealed that the grand finale of the challenge will be hosted in London, where top participants will pitch their ideas to global venture capitalists, accelerators, and tech leaders.
Tope Omojayogbe, a representative of UKALD, emphasized that the programme is open to all, regardless of background or educational qualification. “You don’t need a degree. If you’re a mechanic with an invention or a young woman building a prototype in your backyard, this is your stage,” he said. Omojayogbe also assured participants that all intellectual property will be protected, with provisions in place for patenting ideas.
The event also featured remarks from Abigail Marshall-Taylor, former Lord Mayor of Leeds, who praised the project’s inclusivity and reach. “I was deeply moved by the scope—reaching into all 774 local governments. That’s not just outreach, that’s transformation,” she said.
The NextGen Innovation Challenge will focus on critical sectors such as HealthTech, AgriTech, Renewable Energy, Software, AI, IoT, Blockchain, EduTech, Mobility, Manufacturing, CleanTech, Robotics, and Drones. Stakeholders, including Nigerians in the diaspora, development agencies, and private investors, are being urged to support the bold vision.
As Nigeria pushes to shift from being a consumer of technology to a global innovator, the NextGen Innovation Challenge could serve as a vital engine of inclusive economic growth driven by homegrown talent.
