2026 NITDA National AI Innovation Challenge for Nigerians | Grants & Technical Support

The 2026 NITDA National AI Innovation Challenge (NAIC) is now open for applications from Nigerian innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and teams developing practical Artificial Intelligence solutions.

The challenge, organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) through the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), is designed to support Nigerian innovators building AI solutions using N-ATLAS, Nigeria’s multilingual AI and language technology platform.

Selected participants will have access to technical support, mentorship, computing resources, networking opportunities, and other opportunities to develop and showcase their AI innovations.

About the NITDA National AI Innovation Challenge

The National AI Innovation Challenge focuses on encouraging the development of practical AI solutions that can address challenges in Nigeria and across different sectors.

Applicants are expected to develop a functioning technical solution integrated with N-ATLAS, with challenge areas including developer tools, voice-first applications, and sector-specific AI solutions.

N-ATLAS is designed to support Nigerian languages and Nigerian-accented English, including Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, making it relevant to the development of locally focused AI technologies.

NITDA National AI Innovation Challenge Benefits

Applicants and shortlisted teams may receive access to:

• Technical clinics and office hours
• N-ATLAS onboarding and technical resources
• University roadshows and ecosystem briefings
• N-ATLAS API credentials
• Computing credits
• Technical mentorship
• Support to strengthen their AI solutions
• Invitation to the Nigeria AI Innovators Summit
• Inclusion in the NITDA AI talent registry
• Potential consideration for government AI pilot opportunities
• Networking with AI innovators and ecosystem stakeholders

Winners may also receive additional opportunities, including research partnerships, technical support, recognition, incubation support, investor introductions, and potential government procurement pathway review.

Eligibility for the NITDA National AI Innovation Challenge

The challenge is open to Nigerian citizens and eligible Nigerian entities.

Innovation & Enterprise Category

Individual applicants must:

• Be a Nigerian citizen.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Submit an original AI innovation.
• Have a functioning technical artefact integrated with N-ATLAS.

Companies applying must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Diaspora teams are also eligible, provided that at least 50% of their team members are based in Nigeria.

Academia & Research Category

Applicants in the academia and research category must have a team lead who is enrolled or employed by an accredited Nigerian university or research institution.

An institutional endorsement letter signed by the relevant Head of Department or equivalent authority is also required.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the 2026 NITDA National AI Innovation Challenge is October 12, 2026.

Applications opened on September 22, 2026, and applicants are expected to complete their builds and submissions before the deadline.

How to Apply

Interested Nigerian innovators and research teams can apply online through the official NITDA/NCAIR application portal.

Application Link