The Federal Government has launched the NextGen Innovators Challenge 2025, a national initiative designed to spark grassroots innovation and empower young Nigerian innovators across all 774 local government areas.
Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, leads the initiative implemented by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), which targets scalable, homegrown solutions in priority sectors such as HealthTech, FinTech, PropTech, EduTech, AgriTech, IoT, Renewable Energy, among others.
Described as a “pioneering national initiative designed to unlock the immense innovative potential of Nigerian youths,” the Challenge seeks to bridge the gap between invention and commercialisation, while fostering entrepreneurial thinking nationwide.
Minister: NextGen Innovators Challenge 2025 targets homegrown solutions
“The Federal Government, in its effort to harness the best ideas and promote innovation amongst Nigerian youths across the country, has come up with the NextGen Innovators Challenge 2025,” the NBTI says in a statement seen by Technology Times.
The competition invites entries from individuals or teams of up to ten members, and is structured in two phases: a national competition and an international showcase in the United Kingdom.
From the state-level rounds, 74 innovators — two from each state and the FCT — will be shortlisted. Of these, 37 national finalists will advance to the global stage to represent Nigeria at the London Grand Finale on July 16, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel, Paddington.
The UK showcase will offer finalists an opportunity to exhibit their solutions before a high-profile audience including global investors, venture capitalists, innovation firms, universities, and international government agencies.
Organisers say the Challenge promises an “all-encompassing support package” to help finalists bring their ideas to market. Registration opens May 28 and closes June 18, 2025, and entries can be submitted at the official portal.
The initiative enjoys cross-sectoral backing from institutions including the Ministry of Digital Economy, National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), NYSC, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), and National Assembly Science and Technology Committees.
According to organisers, the NextGen Innovators Challenge 2025 offers a platform for young Nigerians to turn innovative ideas into viable enterprises, reinforcing Nigeria’s drive toward digital transformation and inclusive economic growth.
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