csrreporters 
Ambitious undergraduate students across Nigeria now have an opportunity to transform innovative ideas into real-world solutions as OPay and Google officially open applications for the 2026 National Innovation Challenge and Bootcamp.
The initiative is designed to equip young Nigerians with high-demand digital skills, corporate mentorship, innovation training, and funding support to help them develop scalable technology-driven solutions addressing African challenges.
The programme forms part of OPay’s ₦1.2 billion 10-year scholarship and innovation commitment aimed at nurturing the next generation of African digital leaders.
Why the Programme Matters
As digital transformation continues to reshape Africa’s economy, many students struggle to move innovative ideas from classrooms into viable solutions due to lack of mentorship, funding, and industry exposure.
The OPay and Google Innovation Challenge seeks to bridge this gap by giving students access to:
- Seed funding opportunities
- Corporate mentorship
- Innovation bootcamps
- Technical training
- Career development pathways
- Internship and job opportunities
The programme also aims to encourage young Nigerians to build practical digital solutions capable of driving social impact and economic growth.
Core Innovation Areas
Students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to submit ideas, concepts, or projects within the following sectors:
- Fintech and Digital Payments
- AI and Automation for Social Good
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection
- Agritech and Climate Solutions
- Education Technology
- Health Technology
- Digital Tools for SMEs and Informal Businesses
- Sustainability and Green Innovation
Projects will be assessed based on creativity, feasibility, scalability, innovation potential, and social impact.
Prize Categories and Benefits
1st Place: OPay National Innovator of the Year
The overall winner will receive:
- ₦10 million project grant for prototype development
- ₦300,000 scholarship award
- Official certificate
- Guaranteed job opportunity
- Prototype development support
- National media recognition
- Expert mentorship opportunities
2nd Place
The second-place team will receive:
- ₦5 million project grant
- ₦300,000 scholarship award
- Certificate of recognition
- OPay Innovation Fellowship induction
- Prototype advisory support
- National media feature
3rd Place
The third-place team will receive:
- ₦3 million project grant
- ₦300,000 scholarship award
- Certificate of participation
- Innovation Fellowship induction
- National media recognition
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2026 cohort, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Academic Status
Applicants must be undergraduate students currently enrolled in a Nigerian:
- University
- Polytechnic
- College of Education
Course of Study
The programme is open to students from all academic disciplines. Applicants do not need a computer science background to participate.
Technical Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate basic proficiency in AI-assisted design using the Canva-Gemini workflow.
Academic Performance
Applicants must meet the minimum CGPA requirements below:
- 3.5/5.0 for university students
- 2.8/4.0 for polytechnic and college of education students
According to the organisers, preference consideration will also be given to brilliant students facing genuine financial hardship.
Programme Timeline
May – June 2026: Applications and Screening
Applications will undergo a nationwide screening process expected to attract over 100,000 entries. A total of 48 teams comprising 240 students will be shortlisted.
June – August 2026: Skill Acquisition Phase
Shortlisted participants will undergo a six-week virtual webinar training programme followed by an assessment examination.
August – September 2026: Innovation Bootcamp
Top-performing teams will advance into a six-week intensive virtual innovation bootcamp hosted by OPay digital experts.
July – December 2026: OPay Futures Programme
Outstanding participants will gain access to structured mentorship and internship placements within the OPay ecosystem.
November 6, 2026: Grand Finale
Finalist teams will pitch their solutions live before investors, technology executives, and industry leaders during the Empowering Futures Conference 2.0.
How to Apply
Interested students are encouraged to form teams, refine their innovation ideas, and prepare their submissions before the application deadline.
Applications can be submitted HERE
[give_form id="20698"]