The National Board for Technology Incubation, NBTI, is to showcase 105 “groundbreaking” Nigerian innovations at the Grand Finale of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025, taking place in London on October 9, 2025.
Director General of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
Raji explained that the 105 innovations to be showcased at the event were selected from over 3,000 entries submitted by Nigerian innovators during the preliminary stages of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025.
Shedding light on the innovations, Raji added, “The finalists represent Nigeria’s boundless creativity and problem-solving genius. Just a glimpse of what we will be showcasing in London includes: A smart wearable Bra-X for early detection of breast cancer; a ventilator capable of supporting six patients simultaneously; AI-controlled drones for precision farming and pest control; affordable clean energy solutions for underserved communities; next-generation FinTech applications for inclusive finance and much more, touching every critical sector of our economy and human development.”
Speaking further, Raji noted that the volume and quality of innovations conceptualized by Nigerian youths shows that Nigeria has emerged as a global leader in innovation.
“Let the world take notice: Nigeria has arrived — not as a consumer of technology, but as a global leader in innovation.
“We are not exporting talents — we are amplifying solutions from Africa to the world. The NextGen Innovation Challenge is Nigeria’s innovation renaissance, and we will not stop until the youth of this nation have a seat at every global innovation table,” he said.
The NBTI boss declared that the Grand Finale of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025 is set to elevate Nigeria’s most brilliant minds and their pioneering innovations to the global arena.
“On Thursday, October 9, 2025, in the city of London, 105 of Nigeria’s most outstanding innovators, selected from over 3,000 ground-breaking entries, will converge at the Hilton London Paddington to pitch revolutionary solutions across HealthTech, AgriTech, FinTech, Clean Energy, Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and more — before an esteemed gathering of global investors, policymakers, and development partners.
“This monumental initiative, powered by NBTI in partnership with UKALD London, signals a new era for Nigeria’s innovation-driven economic transformation and places Nigeria at the forefront of global innovation diplomacy.”
The NextGen Innovation Challenge was officially launched on May 28, 2025, in Abuja by Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji.
The launch was followed by the National Showcase on July 9, 2025, where the top 105 innovators, representing every state and the FCT, exhibited their projects before an audience comprising policymakers, industrialists, investors, and diplomats.
The innovations were subjected to a rigorous international vetting process led by a global technology expert, Prof. Hari Mohan of London South Bank University, LSBU.
Raji explained that the vetting process ensured transparency, global standardization and credibility.
He listed expected outcomes from the Grand Finale of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025 to include signing of MOUs for renewable energy and clean growth projects; direct connections between Nigeria innovators and international investors and launch of the NBTI Global App, which will link Nigerian innovation to the diaspora and global markets.
Raji, in the same vein, noted that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has revitalized innovation in Nigeria.
“We express profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose Renewed Hope Agenda has rekindled the flame of innovation and empowered young Nigerians to dream beyond borders.
“His bold economic reforms, youth-focused initiatives, and unwavering support for institutions like NBTI are transforming Nigeria from a resource-rich country into a knowledge-driven economy,” he said.
NBTI to showcase 105 Nigerian innovations at 2025 NextGen Challenge Grand Finale