NASENI urges young innovators to develop marketable solutions

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has urged Nigeria's young innovators to create practical and marketable solutions to address the country's pressing challenges. At the kick-off of the virtual hackathon phase of the FutureMakers by NASENI innovation programme, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Khalil Halilu highlighted the importance of supporting young innovators with the necessary infrastructure, mentorship, and platforms to transform their ideas into products.

The four-day hackathon, running from August 17 to 20, brings together 60 young innovators from Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. Their tasks include developing prototypes and refining technology-driven solutions that target specific regional challenges. The North-West cohort focuses on gender-related barriers to innovation, while the North-Central participants develop solutions for food security issues related to regional insurgency.

The North-East innovators are working on conflict and security solutions, while the South-West cohort tackles the rising cost of education. The South-South zone is addressing weak connections between academia and industry, and the South-East is developing solutions to the increasing involvement of children in trading instead of attending school.

Busola Beckley Perez-Folayan, Hub Manager of NASENI Innovation Hub, explained that the regional structure allows participants to develop solutions directly impacting their communities. The virtual format also broadens access by eliminating the cost and logistical barriers associated with physical participation. Throughout the hackathon, innovators receive technical guidance and mentorship as they work on their prototypes.

The top three innovators from each zone will receive N1.5 million, N1 million, and N500,000 prizes, respectively. The six zonal winners will compete at the NASENI Invention Fest for a N5 million grand prize, an international study tour, and scholarships to leading Nigerian universities.

Beyond the monetary rewards, successful innovators gain access to NASENI's SparkLab prototyping facility, technical training, and personalized mentorship. Selected participants will also participate in an international study tour with the NASENI Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The FutureMakers campaign has generated over 2.6 million impressions and received more than 20 media placements.

Implemented in collaboration with academic and ecosystem partners like MIVA Open University and the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, FutureMakers aims to serve as a talent pipeline for early-stage Nigerian innovators.