NBTI Launches NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025

The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has launched the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025, an initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria into a global hub for technological advancement.

The nationwide challenge with the theme: “From Grassroots to Global Recognition: Igniting Nigeria’s Innovation Renaissance,” was designed to identify, support, and elevate grassroots innovators and inventors, especially those with limited access to platforms and resources.

Speaking at the unveiling in Abuja, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Nnaji pledged that no talent or innovative idea in Nigeria will go unnoticed or unsupported.

Nnaji said the ministry was committed to empowering young Nigerians with innovative ideas, no matter how small.

Represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Administration, Dr. Robert Ngwu, the minister said the Challenge is more than a programme, but a national movement.

He noted that the initiative, spearheaded by the NBTI in partnership with United Kingdom-based consulting firm,
UKALD and other strategic collaborators, is aimed at dismantling barriers facing grassroots inventors across Nigeria.

Nnaji also stressed that the initiative will cover all 774 local government areas, with a goal to build an inclusive and diverse innovation pipeline.

“From locally built drones to solar-powered vehicles, smart agriculture applications, and clean energy solutions, participants will gain access to investors, mentors, technical support, and commercialization pathways.

“This is a journey powered by the spirit of discovery, sustained by visionary leadership, and driven by the unyielding spirit of the Nigerian people,” he added.

In his remarks, Director-General of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, said with the initiative, the agency was igniting a renaissance of ideas, invention, and inclusive prosperity, driven by the creativity of young Nigerians from every village, ward, city, and every community across the country.

Dr Raji stressed that the challenge aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda which places strong emphasis on innovation, industrialisation, and youth empowerment.

“President Tinubu has boldly declared that Nigeria will no longer remain at the periphery of global technological and economic discourse,” Dr. Raji added. “Instead, we shall take our rightful place as a leader in technology, trade, and innovation.”

Representive of UKALD at the event, Tope Omojayogbe, underscored the international importance of the project.

“Empowering youth is not about buying them gifts, it’s about asking them what they can do. We know there are Nigerians who have invented CRMs, software, automobiles, even robotics. But they’ve lacked visibility,” said Omogyoge.

He said the initiative gives free opportunity to all participants without knowing anybody. “No gatekeeping. You don’t even need a degree. If you’re a mechanic in a village and you can build something, show us. We’ll support you.”

Addressing the concern about intellectual property theft, Omogyoge assured that, “There is no fear of idea theft.
If you think your idea will be stolen, then you’re not ready. We’re patenting everything. We’re building a platform for support.”

He added that there is no age barriers to participants as long as their work is original, “we want to help you take it to market.”

Also speaking at the launch, former Lord Mayor of Leeds, UK, Abigail Marshall-Taylor expressed admiration for the programme’s nationwide inclusivity.

“When I heard about the challenge, picking from 774 local governments, I was deeply touched. It’s an opportunity for every Nigerian youth to showcase their talent, regardless of where they come from,” she said.

The NBTI’s DG, Raji said the initiative would reach all 774 local government areas to mine grassroots innovation and build a national tech pipeline.

“Imagine a girl in Osogbo creating green mobility solutions from waste, or a boy in Bauchi building drones for agriculture—these aren’t outliers. They are our future.”

He added that the NBTI will launch a global digital portal and mobile app to host and promote the innovators.

Raji revealed that the grand finale will be held in London to connect top Nigerian innovators with global investors, venture capitalists, and accelerators.

The Challenge targets key industries, including HealthTech, AgriTech, and Renewable Energy, Software, AI, IoT, and Blockchain, Manufacturing, Mobility, and EduTech, Robotics, Drones, CleanTech, and more.

He called on investors, development partners, and Nigerians in the diaspora to support the initiative.