Nigeria’s growing digital economy is creating new opportunities for young innovators, but many students still struggle with limited access to funding, mentorship, and industry exposure needed to transform ideas into scalable solutions.
To bridge this gap, OPay in partnership with Google has opened applications for the National Innovation Challenge and Bootcamp 2026, an initiative focused on empowering undergraduates with practical digital skills, innovation support, and startup development opportunities.
Prize Breakdown
Winning teams will receive substantial funding and development support.
First Place
- ₦10 million project grant
- ₦300,000 scholarship award
- Job opportunity and prototype support
- National recognition and mentorship
Second Place
- ₦5 million project grant
- ₦300,000 scholarship
- Innovation fellowship support
- National media exposure
Third Place
- ₦3 million project grant
- ₦300,000 scholarship
- Fellowship induction and recognition
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be undergraduate students in Nigerian tertiary institutions
- Maintain the required CGPA benchmark
- Demonstrate basic AI-assisted design knowledge using Canva-Gemini workflows
- Be willing to participate throughout the programme stages
The programme is open to students from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Programme Timeline
According to the organisers:
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- Applications & Screening: May to June 2026
- Training Phase: June to August 2026
- Innovation Bootcamp: August to September 2026
- Mentorship Programme: July to December 2026
- Grand Finale Pitch Event: November 6, 2026
How To Apply
Interested students can submit their applications through the official portal below:
Apply Here:
Official OPay Innovation Challenge Application Portal
Application Deadline
Applications close on 14 June 2026.
The OPay & Google National Innovation Challenge 2026 presents a major opportunity for Nigerian undergraduates looking to build impactful digital solutions while gaining access to funding, mentorship, and career development support.
Disclaimer: Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
