• General Enquiries

  • Prize Enquiries

  • Winner Enquiries

  • Other Enquiries

Prize Enquiries

What is the prize and how is it structured?

Ten (10) finalists will win varying prizes. The top three (3) winners will receive a mix of cash and equity to support their startups. They will receive funds in 75:25 equity and cash mix in exchange for a stake in their company which will be determined after a valuation.
A social impact prize of US$45,000 will be available to the three (3) most impactful projects amongst the top ten (10) finalists. US$15,000 each will be awarded to the Cascador Impact Prize Winners.
The top ten (10) finalists will participate in an all-expense paid, 5-weeks training programme at a top-rated US university in Silicon Valley and also have an opportunity to pitch to angel investors and obtain global exposure.

What are the non-financial benefits for the shortlisted applicants?

A fast-track accelerator programme has been developed and embedded in the competition to ensure all shortlisted participants benefit. The accelerator programme will be run by our technical partner and a top-rated University in Silicon Valley, US.

How will the startups be supported post-competition?

A database of participants will be maintained on the portal. Participants will be provided with access to industry information, funding opportunities, and program assistance. The intent is to build a strong alumni network to further drive the development of a viable and vibrant local ecosystem.

General Enquiries

What is the purpose of the Programme?

The programme is expected to catalyse the growth and development of the Nigerian ecosystem by identifying budding innovative entrepreneurs, enhancing their capabilities, and providing a platform to showcase and scale their solutions on a global scale.

Does the NPI Programme have a preferred focus sector?

The priority sectors for the Programme are: Healthcare, Agriculture and Education.

Can applicants with innovations outside the preferred focus sector apply?

Innovators with products outside the listed sectors will not be considered for NPI 3.0 but they are encouraged to keep refining their solutions in anticipation for future programmes. NPI is designed to support innovations that solve peculiar problems with a solution that is commercially viable and scalable. Each application will be considered on its own merits.

Why are we not considering startups at the ideation stage?

Ideas take a bit of time to result in a working product or prototype. Our objective is to improve potentially viable products and develop them further for introduction to the market. Notably, the call for application phase of the NPI is expected to run for a short period, not exceeding four (4) weeks. This limits the time for debugging, development of a minimum viable product and building traction. It is unlikely that an untested product can be completed in that timeframe. Future programmes may include a category for ideation.

Who are the Judges?

A faculty of independent judges will be announced before the demo day event. The judges will be drawn from different fields including professionals from government institutions, thought leaders, industry experts, and notable innovators.

What does it cost to register?

Registration is free.

Winner Enquiries

Can I opt for cash instead of the trip to Silicon Valley (SV)?

No, the training programme cannot be exchanged for a cash alternative. The training is an integral part of the NPI programme designed to provide startup access to unparallel training, mentorship, resources, networking opportunities and access to incremental funding from angel investors, venture capitalists, and private equity firms.

How can I be sure that my start-up solution will be protected?

NSIA recognises the importance of patents and business solution protection. The unilateral agreements which all participants are required to sign, are designed to protect your intellectual property and serve to insulate your idea from theft.

Will NSIA process the visas or provide visa application support for the 10 finalists? Who will be responsible for the visa application fees?

NSIA will support the visa application process for the 10 finalists by providing sponsorship letters and informing the US embassy of the finalist’s participation in the training programme. Additionally, NSIA will cover the visa application fees. Please note that while NSIA offers assistance, we cannot guarantee or influence the outcome of visa decisions.

Is there an option to attend the Silicon Valley training virtually?

No, there is no option to attend the Silicon Valley training virtually; it is designed as an in-person experience to maximize the benefits of direct interaction, mentorship, and networking.

I have a co-founder, can we both go to Silicon Valley if we win?

Only one representative per winning startup can attend the Silicon Valley training. NSIA has secured ten slots and will cover all expenses for the top ten finalists (only). Co-founders, who are interested in attending the training can apply to the training programme directly and are expected to cover their own expenses.

Can the trip to Silicon Valley be deferred?

No, the trip to Silicon Valley cannot be deferred.

What if I don’t have a US visa?

Attending the training in Silicon Valley is contingent upon obtaining a visa. If you don’t already have a US visa, the NSIA will assist with the visa application process. If a finalist cannot secure a visa, a co-founder or senior team member with a valid visa may attend in their place. Should this not be possible, the opportunity will be offered to the next highest-ranked semifinalists.

What if my US visa application was declined?

If your US visa application is declined, you may nominate a co-founder or a senior team member with a valid US visa to attend the Silicon Valley training on behalf of your team. It is your responsibility to ensure the nominated individual obtains the visa within the specified timeframe. If this option is not viable, the opportunity will be passed to the next ranked semi-finalist.

How long is the Silicon Valley training programme in the US?

The training programme in Silicon Valley will last for a duration of 5 weeks.

Other Enquiries

Can I re-apply if I previously applied?

Yes, previous applicants are welcome to re-apply, except for the top three (3) winners from NPI 1.0 and top ten (10) finalists from NPI 2.0 editions. Terms and conditions apply.

Can I submit more than one application for the programme?

The programme rules allow for only one application per applicant. Subsequent applications will be disqualified.

What happens to the final seven who aren’t selected to be among the final three?

The last seven (7) finalists, along with the top three (3) finalists will participate in an all-expense paid, 5-weeks training program at a top-rated US university in Silicon Valley, USA. They are equally encouraged to apply in subsequent editions of the programme.

What happens to participants who don’t make the top ten finalists?

Innovators who do not make it to the top ten (10) are encouraged to continue refining their solutions. The programme provides some feedback which will prove useful to participants. Interested participants are further encouraged to apply for the next edition if they can improve their solutions.

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