Programme Details

Programme Stages

At the stage, innovators submit their applications through an application portal. Applicants are expected to provide details regarding their digital products/services and business models.

Shortlisted innovators will participate in an accelerator programme designed to train, mentor and equip them with the tools required to succeed. Participants at this stage will be judged by an independent panel of expert judges and ten (10) finalists will move on to the final stage (demo day).

Each of the ten (10) finalists will be allotted timeslot to present their pitch to the judges. The judging panel will review the submission and rank the winners from 1st to 10th.

Application Requirements

One of the founders must be a Nigerian Citizen

Applicants must be 18 years or older

Applicants must be running Innovative tech-focused or tech-enabled businesses/startups

The business should have operated for not less than six months and operating in or with a presence in Nigeria

The business should be looking to raise a seed round

The business should have developed a minimum viable product (MVP)

Applicants must be willing and able to commit to a 4-week fast-track accelerator program

Only one application is permitted per applicant irrespective of the sector. Subsequent applications will be disqualified

Targeted Sectors:

The programme will focus on technology-enabled businesses in the following sectors:

Note: These priority sectors were selected based on the impact innovation in these sectors can have on the Nigerian economy. Whilst the above sectors are termed “priority”, applicants that operate outside these sectors are strongly encouraged to apply.

Prizes

Evaluation Criteria

Entries will be judged by a committee of five (5), which will include industry experts and an NSIA representative. The submission and review process will be audited by an independent auditor.

The Novelty of Approach

Impact

Product Design

Scalability

Proposed Methodology, Approach, and Implementation Plan

Sustainability, Environmental Impact And Risk Plan

Activity Calendar

S/N Activity Timeline
Call for application (online platforms)
March 8th, 2023
Call for application end date
April 8th, 2023
Accelerator programme commences
Coming Soon
Announcement of the top ten finalists
Coming Soon
Demo Day
Coming Soon
Announcement of Winner
Coming Soon

Benefits For Finalists

Nation-wide recognition and media attention through NSIA.

Promotion through various social media channels.

Recognition on the NSIA/NPI website.

Strategic advertisement in NSIA publications, including the annual report and sustainability reports, with global circulation.

A 2023 NPI Recognition Plaque as the winner/runner up of the NSIA Prize for Innovation Award.

The Innovation Award logo for use on your product packaging and advertising materials for a one-year period.