Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem is set to make a historic leap onto the global stage as the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) announced the grand finale of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, Director General/CEO of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, revealed that 105 of Nigeria’s brightest innovators will present their revolutionary solutions in London come October 9, 2025.
Dr. Raji disclosed that, over 3,000 entries were selected, noting that the finalists represent the country’s best minds across Health Tech, AgriTech, FinTech, Clean Energy, Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and other cutting-edge sectors.
He noted that innovations such as the smart wearable Bra-X for early breast cancer detection, ventilators supporting multiple patients, AI-powered drones for precision farming, and affordable clean energy solutions will be showcased at the Hilton London Paddington.
Raji said, “The NextGen Innovation Challenge is not just a competition; it is a National Movement aimed at connecting Nigeria’s grassroots ingenuity with global capital.
“This initiative signals a new era for Nigeria’s innovation-driven economic transformation and positions Nigeria as a global leader in technology and entrepreneurship.
“Let the world take notice that Nigeria have arrived. We are not selling out talent but showcasing the talent of young persons. The Next Gen Innovation Challenge 2025, is about proffering solutions to challenges we experience. Nobody will solve our problems except we brace up to the situation and this is what the next Gen is here to resolve.”
Dr. Raji highlighted that London, a global hub for capital and innovation, is the perfect venue to connect Nigerian innovators with international investors, diaspora entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
“This platform will foster strategic partnerships and unlock bilateral development opportunities, further boosting Nigeria’s innovation diplomacy,” he added.
He further revealed that, key highlights of the London event include innovation pitches, a consortium project showcase featuring the Interface Africa and Ogoni Land Renewal initiative, and the launch of Lagos’ coastal areas as the world’s safest innovation and leisure destination.
Also, distinguished keynote speakers at the event will include Dr. Shambhu Pokharel, CEO Tesla Group Europe, representatives from Innovate UK, and Nigeria’s own Minister Uche Geoffrey Nnaji.
The Director General NBTI further stated that Global investors and organizations expected to attend include Tesla Europe, SpinLab Germany, UNDP, Commonwealth Group, BIPVco Wales, Africa Business Chamber, and many more.
Dr. Raji expressed gratitude for the robust support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda has catalyzed the nation’s shift toward a knowledge-driven economy.
“We are not exporting talents; we are amplifying solutions from Africa to the world,” Dr. Raji asserted. “The NextGen Innovation Challenge is Nigeria’s innovation renaissance, and we will not stop until our youth have a seat at every global innovation table.”
