Build local tech solutions, NASENI urges youths

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has called upon young Nigerian innovators to create and defend local technology solutions addressing community challenges. This directive comes as 60 innovators commenced live pitch sessions during FutureMakers Week. Khalil Halilu, NASENI's Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, noted that these innovators had advanced from prototype development during a four-day hackathon to presenting their solutions publicly.

Halilu emphasized that the pitch sessions would assess the innovators' capacity to defend practical solutions tackling community issues. The 60 innovators were selected from Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, participating in a virtual regional hackathon held from August 17 to 20. The live pitch sessions began on Monday and will continue until Thursday, August 27, with streams available on YouTube, X, Instagram, and Facebook.

NASENI will reward the six zonal winners, with first, second, and third place prizes of N1.5m, N1m, and N500,000, respectively. The overall champion will receive a N5m grand prize, including a funded international study tour and scholarships to top Nigerian universities. FutureMakers aims to offer a platform for young Nigerians to showcase practical, locally developed solutions to community challenges.

The winners will receive access to NASENI's SparkLab prototyping facility, technical training, and personalized mentorship to further develop their innovations. Collaborating with MIVA Open University and the African University of Science and Technology in Abuja, NASENI delivers this program.