OPay has opened applications for the 2026 edition of its National Innovation Challenge for undergraduate students in Nigeria.
The OPay Innovation Challenge offers a total of ₦19.2 million in grants and scholarship awards to outstanding participants with innovative technology-driven ideas capable of transforming Africa’s digital landscape.
Program Summary
- Host Country: Nigeria
- Category: Competitions
- Eligible Country: Nigeria
- Reward: ₦19.2m Grants & Scholarships | Certification | Mentorship | Job Opportunity
- IELTS Requirement: No IELTS Required
- Deadline: June 14, 2026
Program Details
The OPay National Innovation Challenge is designed to empower brilliant Nigerian undergraduates to develop innovative technology solutions capable of addressing major challenges across Africa.
The initiative builds on OPay’s flagship ₦1.2 billion 10-year scholarship commitment by combining financial support with innovation-driven opportunities such as mentorship, professional development, internship opportunities, and career support.
The programme aims to nurture the next generation of African innovators, digital creators, and technology leaders by providing participants with the resources and exposure needed to transform their ideas into impactful solutions.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the OPay Innovation Challenge, applicants must:
- Demonstrate proficiency in AI-assisted design using Canva-Gemini workflow
- Be undergraduate students studying in a Nigerian tertiary institution
- Have a minimum CGPA of:
- 2.8/4.0 for Colleges and Polytechnics
- 3.5/5.0 (Second Class Upper) for Universities
- Show evidence of financial need or hardship for added consideration
Program Benefits
Successful participants in the OPay Innovation Challenge will receive:
1st Place – OPay National Innovator of the Year
- ₦10,000,000 project grant
- ₦300,000 scholarship award
- Certificate and national media recognition
- Mentorship from industry professionals
- Prototype development advisory support
- Job opportunity
2nd Place
- ₦5,000,000 project grant
- ₦300,000 scholarship award
- Certificate and national media recognition
- Prototype advisory support
- OPay Innovation Fellowship
3rd Place
- ₦3,000,000 project grant
- ₦300,000 scholarship award
- Certificate of participation and media recognition
- OPay Innovation Fellowship
Available Innovation Themes
Participants can submit ideas across the following sectors:
- Fintech & Digital Payments
- Healthtech
- Cybersecurity & Data Protection
- Edtech
- AI & Automation for Social Good
- Climate & Sustainability Solutions
- Agritech
- Digital Tools for SMEs & Informal Sector
How to Apply
To apply for the OPay Innovation Challenge 2026:
- Visit the official programme webpage
- Click on the “Apply Now” button
- Complete the online application process
- Submit your innovation idea before the deadline
Shortlisted teams will be announced in June 2026.
Selected finalists will participate in a six-week virtual innovation bootcamp facilitated by OPay digital experts. Outstanding participants will also gain access to mentorship, internship opportunities, and possible job placements.
The top four teams will present their refined projects before technology industry leaders and angel investors during the Empowering Futures Conference 2.0.
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