Enhanced programme offers a USD 275,000 prize pool, fully funded entrepreneurial training, access to up to USD 1.5 million in growth capital, and additional funding opportunities for high-potential Nigerian startups
Abuja, Nigeria [11th August 2025] — The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has launched the fourth edition of the NSIA Prize for Innovation (NPI 4.0) themed ‘Building for Impact’. NSIA Prize for Innovation is a flagship initiative designed to identify, support, and accelerate innovative Nigerian startups developing solutions to some of the nation’s most critical challenges.
Since inception, the NSIA Prize for Innovation has become one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for entrepreneurship development, innovation and ecosystem support. Across its first three editions, the programme has attracted more than 20,000 applications from startups operating within key sectors including fintech, aggrotech, health tech, edtech, transport and logistics, among others, with participation spanning all six geopolitical zones of the country.
The success of the programme reflects the growing strength of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the determination of Nigerian innovators to build solutions that improve lives, create jobs, strengthen industries, and contribute to national development.
In line with NSIA’s commitment to support innovation in sectors critical to economic growth and sustainable development, NPI 4.0 will focus on startups operating within Manufacturing, Climate and Food Security, and Healthcare. Through this targeted approach, the programme seeks to empower founders whose solutions can strengthen productive capacity, improve health outcomes, enhance food systems, promote environmental sustainability, and advance climate resilient solutions.
Building on the success of previous editions, NPI 4.0 introduces significant enhancements through strategic partnerships and expanded opportunities for participating startups.
This year’s edition features a combined prize value of USD 275,000, comprising USD 220,000 from NSIA, USD 45,000 from Cascador, and USD 10,000 from Wema Bank. These contributions reflect a shared commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and supporting the growth of innovative businesses capable of delivering meaningful impact. It also revalidates NSIA’s focus on repositioning Nigerian innovators for enhanced relevance.
Beyond the prize pool, NPI 4.0 has been designed as a comprehensive growth platform to identify and nurture Nigerian innovators by unlocking access to capital, capacity enhancement, mentorship and strategic networks required to transform innovative solutions to scalable businesses.
A major highlight of this year’s programme is the opportunity for winners to secure up to USD 1.5 million in funding through Pula Xcelerator, providing access to the growth capital required to accelerate expansion, strengthen operations, and scale impact.
In addition, winners will stand a chance to participate in the Grand Finale of the Wema Bank Hackaholics, where they can compete for a share of NGN 100 million in equity-free grants, creating further opportunities to access funding, visibility, strategic partnerships, and market exposure.
The winners will also benefit from a fully funded programme at the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Lagos, where they will receive practical training in business strategy, leadership, governance, financial management, market expansion, and investor readiness. The programme is designed to equip founders with the skills and capabilities required to build resilient, investment-ready, and high-growth enterprises.
Commenting on the fourth edition of the NSIA Prize for Innovation (NPI 4.0), Aminu Umar-Sadiq, MD & CEO, NSIA said:
“Across Nigeria, entrepreneurs are building solutions with the potential to transform industries, improve livelihoods, and address some of our most pressing development challenges. Through the NSIA Prize for Innovation, we are creating opportunities for these innovators to access the funding, training, mentorship, and strategic partnerships they need to scale their ideas into sustainable businesses. The enhancements introduced in NPI 4.0 reflect our continued commitment to support founders who are leveraging innovation to shape the future of Nigeria’s economy.”
Also, Trish Thomas, Executive Director, Cascador noted that “Innovative, tech-driven solutions are a crucial path to social impact. As part of our commitment to supporting the growth of high-potential Nigerian ventures, we are awarding $45,000 in non-dilutive prize funding through The Cascador Prize for Impact. Cascador is proud to partner with NSIA again in 2026 to reward ground-breaking ideas that can change communities and lives for the better.”
Building on a Legacy of Innovation and Impact
Over the past three editions, the NSIA Prize for Innovation has supported promising startups developing solutions to some of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges across multiple sectors including financial inclusion, technology, agriculture, education and sustainable development.
Through a combination of funding, technical support, mentorship, and access to strategic networks, the programme has helped participating startups strengthen their business models, scale their operations, and enhance their capacity to create economic and social value.
The continued growth and evolution of the programme reflect the transformative potential of Nigerian entrepreneurship and underscores the role of the NSIA Prize for Innovation as a platform for identifying and supporting innovative businesses capable of delivering sustainable impact at scale.
A Call to Nigeria’s Next Generation of Innovators
As the fourth edition opens for applications, NSIA invites ambitious founders or startups operating within the Manufacturing, Climate & Food Security, and Healthcare sectors to seize this opportunity to accelerate their growth journey.
Entrepreneurs developing innovative technologies, products, and solutions that address critical challenges in these sectors are encouraged to apply and become part of a growing community of innovators shaping the future of Nigeria.
More than a competition, NPI 4.0 is a platform for growth. It combines grant funding, world-class entrepreneurial training, mentorship, investor exposure, strategic partnerships, and pathways to additional financing.
From a combined prize pool of USD 275,000, potential access of up to USD 1.5 million through Pula Xcelerator and the opportunity to compete for NGN 100 million in equity-free grants at the Grand Finale of the Wema Bank Hackaholics, NPI 4.0 provides founders the support required to move from promising ventures to market-leading enterprises.
For innovators with bold ideas, scalable solutions, and the ambition to create lasting impact, the time to apply is now.
Applications for the fourth edition of the NSIA Prize for Innovation (NPI 4.0) are still open.
For eligibility requirements, application details, and programme timelines, visit www.nsia-ip.com