OPay Innovation Challenge 2026 For Nigerian Undergraduates (Up To ₦10 Million Project Grant + Scholarship Awards)

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Applications are open for OPay Innovation Challenge 2026. OPay National Innovation Challenge empowers Nigeria’s brightest undergraduates to create tech solutions that transform Africa. The Innovation Challenge is an expanded, holistic initiative that builds on OPay’s flagship ₦1.2 billion, 10-year scholarship commitment.

By combining financial aid with an innovation challenge, professional skill-building, mentorship, and job placement opportunities, it provides talented Nigerian undergraduates with an enabling platform to become the next generation of African technovators and drivers of digital transformation.

OPay Innovation Challenge Objectives

Build digital and problem-solving skills in Nigeria’s next generation of innovators.
Drive technology solutions for real social impact — from healthcare to agriculture to finance.
Connect top talent with mentorship, funding, and career opportunities in Africa’s tech ecosystem.

Innovation Theme

Participants can innovate across any of these high-impact sectors reshaping Africa’s future.

Fintech & Digital Payments
Healthtech
Cybersecurity & Data Protection
Edtech
AI & Automation for Social Good
Climate & Sustainability Solutions
Agritech
Digital Tools for SMEs & Informal Sector

OPay Innovation Challenge Prizes and Benefits

Grand Finale Prizes

1st Place
- OPay National Innovator of the Year
- ₦10,000,000 project grant + ₦300,000 Scholarship Award
- Certificate + national media feature
- Mentorship with industry experts
- Advisory support for prototype development
- Job opportunity
2nd Place
- ₦5,000,000 project grant + ₦300,000 Scholarship Award
- Certificate + national media feature
- Advisory support for prototype development
- OPay Innovation Fellowship
3rd Place
- ₦3,000,000 project grant + ₦300,000 Scholarship Award
- Certificate of participation + national media feature
- OPay Innovation Fellowship

Eligibility Criteria For OPay Innovation Challenge

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in AI-assisted design (canva-gemini workflow)
Must be an undergraduate student offering any course of study in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution.
Must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) score of 2.8/4 for Colleges/Polytechnics, or 3.5/5 (second-class upper credit) for Universities.
Preference will be given to students who can demonstrate significant financial hardship.

Programme Stages & Timeline

May – June: Applications & Screening
- Over 100,000 applications are projected to be received. 48 teams of 240 students to be shortlisted and announced by June.
Jun – Aug: Webinars & Exam
- 6-week virtual webinar series + timed exam (30 Qs, 30 mins). Top 10 teams advance to the Bootcamp.
Aug – Sept: Boot Camp
- Finalist will attend a 6-week virtual innovation bootcamp hosted by OPay Digitals experts.
July – December: OPay Futures
- High-performing contestants go through mentorship with internships and job placement opportunities.
Nov 6: Grand Finale
- The top 4 teams will pitch their refined solutions to tech industry giants and angel investors at the Empowering Futures Conference 2.0.