Deadline Date: July 08, 2026
The NSIA Prize for Innovation is a programme in Nigeria designed to promote youth entrepreneurship by supporting innovative startups with transformative and locally driven solutions.
The focus areas, of the NSIA Prize for Innovation include youth entrepreneurship development, promotion of innovative startups, support for social impact-driven business models, advancement of healthcare innovation, manufacturing innovation, climate solutions, and food security, as well as strengthening early-stage startup growth and access to investment opportunities.
The programme aims to identify and support innovative Nigerian startups by providing structured stages of development, including application, acceleration, pitching, and post-programme capacity building. It focuses on scaling homegrown solutions with strong social and economic impact potential.
The programme begins with a pre-selection stage where innovators submit applications detailing their products, services, and business models. Selected participants then enter an accelerator stage involving virtual training and an in-person bootcamp, followed by a demo day where finalists pitch their ideas to judges and investors.
After the demo day, the top ten finalists participate in a fully sponsored training programme delivered in partnership with a leading institution, focusing on leadership development, strategic business support, and long-term growth acceleration.
The programme targets startups operating in healthcare, manufacturing, and climate and food security sectors. The total prize pool is valued at 275,000 US dollars, with the NSIA Prize for Innovation itself valued at 220,000 US dollars.
Applicants must be Nigerian citizens, at least 18 years old, and operating innovative, social impact-driven startups that have been active for at least six months in Nigeria. Startups must be seeking seed funding, have a minimum viable product, and be willing to commit to a fast-track accelerator programme. Only one application per applicant is allowed, and finalist startups must be registered in Nigeria.
For more information, visit NSIA.
