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

The priority sectors for the Programme are: Financial Services, Agriculture, Health, Education, Manufacturing, Logistics & E-mobility, E-commerce & Marketplaces, and Climate. However, applicants that operate outside these sectors are strongly encouraged to apply.

Innovators with products outside the listed sectors are encouraged to submit their applications. 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.

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 maiden edition of the NPI is expected to run for a short period, not exceeding 16 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.

Ten (10) finalists will win varying prizes. The winners will receive a mix of cash and equity to support their startups. The top three (3) finalists will receive funds in 75:25 equity and cash mix in exchange for a stake in their company which will be mutually determined. The remaining seven (7) finalists will receive cash prizes. About US$255,000 will be won in total.

The fast-track accelerator program has been developed and embedded in the competition to ensure all shortlisted participants benefit. The accelerator programme will be run by our technical partner. Their role is to assist NSIA in identifying mentors and facilitators willing to provide support in different areas, varying from mentoring engagements, networking opportunities, training, and other forms of technical assistance, etc. for the benefit of the shortlisted applicants.

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 technology ecosystem.

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

Registration is free.

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.

The last seven (7) finalists outside the top three (3) winners will be awarded consolation prizes and encouraged to continue refining their solutions. They are equally encouraged to apply in subsequent editions of the programme.

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

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