Coming Soon · The Next Chapter

NEXTGEN 2027

Bigger Ambitions. Bolder Innovations. Global Possibilities.

The journey continues.

From the achievements of 2025 to the international impact of 2026, NextGen has continued to connect brilliant minds, groundbreaking innovations and global opportunities.

Now, a new chapter is on the horizon.

More innovation. More connections. More possibilities.

Coming Soon — NextGen 2027

NextGen Innovation Challenge

Highlight from 2025 Edition Become a Partner

Empowering Nigerian Innovators,

Building Global Partnerships.

ABOUT NEXTGEN 2026

The NEXTGEN Innovation Challenge 2026 is proudly organised by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) — a Federal Government agency under the leadership of Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, in partnership with UKALD, a UK-based consultancy firm.

The Challenge is Nigeria’s leading innovation platform — connecting visionary entrepreneurs, researchers, and young talents with global investors, governments, and development partners to accelerate the growth of transformative ideas and technologies.

About NEXTGEN 2025

The 2025 Edition achieved remarkable success and international recognition:

Officially adopted by the Commonwealth for implementation across 56 member states.
Featured 105 top innovators from across Nigeria, representing diverse sectors and regions.
Concluded with a prestigious Grand Finale in London, where the winning innovator secured £1.5 million in investment support to scale an advanced solar platform.
Included customised training at Teesside University, United Kingdom.
Featured in an upcoming BBC documentary showcasing Nigerian innovation excellence.
Fostered global collaborations with Innovation Africa (Israel), HYPREP, and other international partners — culminating in a joint presentation at Chatham House, London (December 2025).

NEXTGEN 2026: Developing Nigeria’s Innovation Ecosystem

Building on this strong foundation, the 2026 Edition united academia, government, and private investors to accelerate innovation in alignment with Nigeria’s national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

NEXTGEN 2026 aimed to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, create a platform for commercialising indigenous technologies, and position the country as a regional hub for science, technology, and innovation excellence.

NextGen 2026 strategically focused

on life-transforming innovations across key sectors:

Designed to streamline tasks, boost productivity, and deliver seamless user experiences across different platforms.

Software & App Development

Intelligent systems and autonomous machines that perform complex tasks and improve efficiency through automation and advanced algorithms.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics

Next-generation communication technologies combining ultra-fast 6G networks with AI to deliver seamless connectivity and smarter automation.

Future telecom – 6G and AI integration

Smart devices that enhance security and provide real-time tracking to protect people, assets, and vehicles through GPS, sensors, and alert systems.

Safety and Tracking Devices

Eco-friendly innovations that generate clean power from renewable sources while promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Green and Renewable Energy Technologies

Advanced monitoring and early-warning technologies that help predict flooding, assess climate risks, and enhance preparedness.

Climate Resilience & Flood Detection Systems

Solutions that empower women in technology, promote equal opportunities, and drive innovation through diverse and inclusive perspectives.

Women in Tech & Gender-Inclusive Innovation

The 2026 Event Timeline

Kick Off

February 2026

3-Day Innovation Boot Camp

July 2026, Abuja — featuring expert-led training, prototype development, and mentorship with the support of Teesside University (UK), Google, and other international partners.

Grande Finale

October 9, 2026, platinum suite, excel exhibition center — where top innovators showcased their solutions to a global audience of investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.