September 8, 2026
PUNCH reports that NASENI is advancing 60 young technology innovators through a structured programme intended to move ideas from prototype stage toward mentorship, financing and eventual commercialisation.
The FutureMakers initiative drew participants aged five to 16 from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Six zonal champions have progressed toward a national finale where they will compete for a ₦5 million grand prize and other development opportunities.
BusinessDay quoted NASENI chief Khalil Halilu saying the innovators show what is possible with the “right infrastructure, mentorship and platform,” while Economy Post confirmed that six zonal champions will compete for a “N5 million grand prize.”
Echotitbits take: Nigeria already produces large numbers of innovation contests; the harder step is commercialisation. The programme’s long-term value will depend on whether promising prototypes become funded companies, patents, licensed products or procurement-ready solutions.
Source: PUNCH – https://punchng.com/naseni-advances-talent-pipeline-from-ideas-to-innovation-funding/, September 8, 2026.
Photo Credit: The Guardian
