Applications are now open for the 4th edition of the NSIA Prize for Innovation (NPI 4.0), a flagship initiative of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority designed to support high-potential startups developing innovative solutions to critical challenges in Nigeria.
For NPI 4.0, NSIA has built a strong ecosystem of support through its partnerships with Cascador, the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Wema Bank, and the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University. This carefully assembled coalition brings a depth of expertise, institutional networks, and resources needed to significantly deepen the value NPI 4.0 delivers to every startup that comes through the programme.
The programme targets entrepreneurs and innovators whose businesses are driving impact in healthcare, manufacturing, and climate and food security, providing them with funding, mentorship, training, and growth opportunities.
The NSIA Prize for Innovation aims to accelerate the growth of innovative startups capable of creating meaningful social and economic impact. Through strategic partnerships and capacity-building support, participants will gain access to resources that can help them scale operations, strengthen business models, and unlock new market opportunities.
The 2026 edition, is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and support homegrown solutions with the potential to drive meaningful socio-economic development by providing participating startups with expert support, mentorship, training, and access to valuable networks.
Why it Matters
Access to funding, mentorship, and market opportunities remains a major challenge for many startups across Africa. The NSIA Prize for Innovation helps bridge this gap by providing entrepreneurs with not only financial support but also the technical guidance and strategic partnerships needed to scale impactful businesses.
For startups in healthcare, manufacturing, and climate-related sectors, the programme offers a valuable platform to validate innovations, attract investors, expand market reach, and contribute to solving some of Nigeria’s most pressing development challenges. The combination of funding, accelerator support, and exposure to investors makes NPI 4.0 one of the most attractive innovation opportunities currently available to Nigerian startups.
Eligible Sectors
Applications are open to startups operating in:
• Healthcare
• Manufacturing
• Climate and Food Security
Benefits
Participants will compete for a combined prize pool of up to US$275,000, including:
• US$220,000 NSIA Prize for Innovation
• US$45,000 Cascador Prize for Impact
• US$10,000 Wema Bank Enterprise Award
In addition, selected startups will receive:
• A fully funded business training programme at the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC)
• Access to mentorship and business support services
• Opportunities to connect with investors and industry experts
• Eligibility to secure between US$500,000 and US$1.5 million through the Pula Xcelerator
• A ticket to the National Finals of Hackaholics, where participants can compete for more than ₦100 million in equity-free grants
How to Apply
Interested Startups can apply for the NSIA Prize for Innovation (NPI 4.0) through the Official Application Portal 👉 Here
Application Deadline
Deadline for Applications is July 8, 2026
