NANS Innovate 2026: ₦10 Million Innovation Challenge for Nigerian Student Entrepreneurs

Applications are now open for NANS Innovate 2026, a national innovation challenge designed to empower Nigerian student entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and business development support. Organized by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the programme seeks to identify and support innovative business ideas that address pressing social and economic challenges while promoting entrepreneurship among students across Nigeria. Through the initiative, selected participants will compete for a share of ₦10 million in grants, receive expert mentorship, and gain access to opportunities that can help transform their ideas into sustainable businesses.

As youth entrepreneurship continues to play a vital role in Nigeria's economic growth, NANS Innovate provides a platform for students to showcase their creativity, develop practical business skills, and connect with investors, mentors, and industry experts. Whether your innovation focuses on technology, agriculture, healthcare, education, renewable energy, or another impactful sector, the programme offers valuable support to help promising ideas grow into viable enterprises.

About NANS Innovate 2026

NANS Innovate was established to encourage innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship among Nigerian students by providing a structured platform where young innovators can develop solutions to real-world challenges. The programme recognizes that students possess enormous potential to drive economic transformation through innovative ideas and technology-driven solutions.

Beyond the financial awards, the programme focuses on equipping participants with entrepreneurial knowledge, practical business development skills, and exposure to experienced mentors who can guide them through the process of building sustainable businesses. Participants will also have opportunities to refine their business models, improve their pitching skills, and interact with experts from various industries.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote youth-led innovation, create employment opportunities, and strengthen Nigeria's entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting students with scalable ideas that have the potential to generate lasting social and economic impact.

Programme Benefits

Successful participants will enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• A share of ₦10 million in grant funding.
• Access to mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals.
• Business development and entrepreneurial training.
• Networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders.
• Increased visibility for innovative business ideas.
• Opportunities to refine business models and improve investment readiness.
• Practical experience in pitching ideas before experts.
• Membership in a growing network of young innovators and entrepreneurs.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a Nigerian student enrolled in a recognized tertiary institution.
• Have an innovative business idea, startup, or project with growth potential.
• Demonstrate creativity, originality, and problem-solving ability.
• Be available to participate in programme activities if selected.
• Complete and submit the online application before the deadline.

Innovations from all sectors are welcome, provided they demonstrate the potential to create positive social or economic impact.

Areas of Innovation

Applications are encouraged from projects in sectors such as:

• Technology and Digital Innovation
• Artificial Intelligence
• Agriculture and Agribusiness
• Healthcare
• Education Technology (EdTech)
• Financial Technology (FinTech)
• Renewable Energy
• Manufacturing
• Environmental Sustainability
• Creative Industries
• Social Enterprise

Projects that address local challenges with scalable and sustainable solutions are particularly encouraged.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official NANS Innovate application portal.
2. Complete the online application form with accurate personal and academic information.
3. Provide details about your innovation, startup, or business idea.
4. Explain the problem your innovation seeks to solve and its potential impact.
5. Submit your application before the closing date.

Applicants are encouraged to present a clear value proposition and demonstrate how their innovation can create measurable benefits for society.

Selection Process

Applications will be assessed based on several factors, including:

• Innovation and originality.
• Feasibility of the proposed solution.
• Potential social and economic impact.
• Scalability of the business idea.
• Quality of the application.
• Entrepreneurial potential of the applicant.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in pitching sessions, interviews, or further evaluation stages before final winners are selected.