A new wave of Nigerian creativity is set to make its mark on the global stage as 105 innovators head to Hilton London Paddington for the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025 Grand Finale. Selected from a competitive pool of over 3,000 entries, these trailblazers represent all 36 states and the FCT — united by one goal: redefining Africa’s future through innovation.
The innovators will present pioneering ideas across sectors such as HealthTech, AgriTech, FinTech, Clean Energy, Artificial Intelligence, and IoT, pitching to a high-profile audience of investors, policymakers, and global development partners.
Organized by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) in collaboration with UKALD London, the initiative marks a milestone in Nigeria’s ambition to establish itself as a global hub for innovation diplomacy. Since its launch on May 28 in Abuja by Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, the challenge has evolved from a local competition into a nationwide innovation movement.
NBTI Director General, Dr. Kazeem Raji, emphasized that the program is not about exporting talent but amplifying “African-made solutions with global relevance.” He explained that after an intense vetting process, guided by Prof. Hari Mohan of London South Bank University, the 105 finalists first showcased their solutions during the National Innovation Showcase in Abuja on July 9, attracting diplomats, investors, and thought leaders.
Among the standout innovations gaining international buzz are:
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Bra-X – A smart wearable designed for early breast cancer detection.
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Multi-patient ventilator – A device capable of supporting up to six patients at once.
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AI-driven drones – Tools for precision agriculture and sustainable pest control.
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Renewable energy systems – Tailored for rural and underserved communities.
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Inclusive FinTech platforms – Expanding access to digital financial services across Nigeria.
Dr. Raji noted that London was selected for its status as a global nexus of capital, technology, and diaspora investment. The finale will not only celebrate innovation but also forge strategic partnerships between Nigerian innovators and leading venture capitalists, diaspora investors, and European technology firms.
Key features of the London event include:
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Live pitches from the 105 finalists.
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Consortium Project Showcase spotlighting initiatives such as Interface Africa, Ogoni Land Renewal, and the $1 billion Innovate Africa Israel/BIPVco Solar Project.
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The launch of Lagos coastal zones as an international innovation and leisure destination.
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Spotlight collaborations with SpinLab (Germany), Innovate UK, and the Commonwealth Roundtable.
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Awards and recognition for innovators and strategic partners.
Expected outcomes include renewable energy MOUs, new clean growth projects, and cross-border partnerships that strengthen Nigeria’s innovation-driven economy.
The event will feature an impressive lineup of speakers including Dr. Shambhu Pokharel (Tesla Europe), Amanda Haber (Innovation: Africa), Eric Weber (SpinLab, Germany), along with representatives from the UK Department for Business and Trade, Commonwealth Group, and UK city officials.
Investor organizations attending include Tesla Europe, UNDP, DP World Dubai, Innovate UK, BIPVco Wales, SpinLab Germany, Africa House London, Middlesbrough University, Kerna Ventures, Kudy Financials USA, among others.
The NextGen Innovation Challenge enjoys strong endorsement from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda continues to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the 2026 edition will open for submissions in early next year, with new training and e-learning platforms set to help innovators transform their prototypes into commercially successful ventures.
