About NSIA The Programme Eligibility Apply Now
Now Accepting Applications — NPI 4.0

Fund Your
Breakthrough.
Build Nigeria.

The NSIA Prize for Innovation is Nigeria's premier platform for early-stage innovators with digital solutions that drive transformative impact.

Apply Now Learn More
$280K+
Total Prize Pool
5,000+
Applicants (NPI 3.0)
3+
Editions Completed
Programme Journey
1
Open Registration
Submit your application with business concept and innovation brief.
2
Screening & Due Diligence
Top 100 startups selected after rigorous evaluation by expert panel.
3
Accelerator Bootcamp
Intensive mentorship, training, and network-building sessions.
4
Demo Day & Awards
Top 10 finalists pitch live to judges. Winners receive cash and equity.
5
Silicon Valley Training
All-expenses-paid 5-week programme at Draper University, USA.
Prize Contributions Total$280,000+
NSIA
Prize money — cash & equity
$220,000
Cascador
Prize for Impact
$45,000
PVAC
Healthcare Innovator Prize
$15,000
Partner Institution
Fully sponsored training programme
Sponsored
About NSIA

Nigeria's Sovereign Wealth Fund Manager

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) is an independent investment institution of the Federation, established by Act of the National Assembly in May 2011. It manages Nigeria's sovereign wealth fund — investing surplus oil revenues for the long-term benefit of all Nigerians.

With over $2.4 billion in assets under management, NSIA is the third largest sovereign wealth fund in Sub-Saharan Africa, operating three ring-fenced funds each serving a distinct national mandate.

Financial Sustainability
Maximising risk-adjusted returns on invested assets
Independence
Impartial, merit-based investment decisions
Transparency
Consistent financial reporting and public accountability
National Impact
Driving socioeconomic outcomes across key sectors
🏦
Stabilisation Fund
Provides budget support and fiscal buffers during periods of economic stress, ensuring government services remain uninterrupted.
🌱
Future Generations Fund
An intergenerational savings vehicle investing in long-term assets so future Nigerians benefit from today's oil wealth.
🏗️
Nigeria Infrastructure Fund
Finances critical infrastructure — from toll roads and power projects to healthcare centres — that attract investment and create jobs.
The Programme

NSIA Prize for Innovation

A multi-year programme designed to fund, mentor, and accelerate early-stage Nigerian digital innovations — from first idea to global-ready startup.

We back bold innovators solving real problems in three critical sectors. If your solution drives measurable impact in healthcare, agriculture, or climate and ESG, this programme is for you.

Focus sectors
💊
Healthcare
Digital diagnostics, telemedicine, health insurance access and patient outcomes
🌾
Agriculture
AgriTech, supply chains, smallholder finance and food security solutions
🌱
Climate & ESG Solutions
Clean energy, carbon reduction, sustainable finance and environmental impact
💰
Cash & Equity Prizes
Winners share a prize pool of over $280,000 through cash awards, equity investment, and partner prizes from Cascador and PVAC.
🧭
Mentorship & Training
Access seasoned mentors from Nigeria's top business and tech ecosystems, plus a fully sponsored training programme at a leading partner institution.
🌐
Platform & Visibility
NPI provides a credible national platform to showcase your innovation and connect with investors, partners, and industry leaders across Nigeria.
Who Can Apply

Eligibility Criteria

Nigerian-owned or Nigerian-registered startup or early-stage company
Technology-enabled digital solution with demonstrable social or economic impact
Solution must address Healthcare, Agriculture, or Climate & ESG
Early-stage — must not have received more than Series A funding
Scalable model with potential for national or continental reach
Founder(s) must be available for the full duration of the programme
How It Works

Your Path to the Prize

1
Register & Submit Application
Complete your online application with your innovation brief, business model, and impact statement.
2
Initial Screening
Applications are reviewed by an expert panel. Top 100 startups advance to the accelerator phase.
3
Accelerator Bootcamp
Intensive physical bootcamp with mentors, training sessions, and networking opportunities.
4
Demo Day Finals
Top 10 finalists pitch to a panel of judges from business and innovation ecosystems in Abuja.
5
Win & Scale
Winners receive cash prizes, equity investment, and a fully sponsored training programme.

Ready to Change Nigeria?

Join thousands of Nigerian innovators competing to transform their ideas into nationally impactful ventures — backed by NSIA.

Start Your Application Programme Details