NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025 takes 105 Nigerian innovators to London to pitch solutions in health, AI, clean energy and fintech to global investors.

NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025 will mark a historic milestone for Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem as 105 top innovators travel to London on 9 October to pitch scalable solutions to a global audience of investors, policymakers, and tech leaders.

Also read: MTN expands Media Innovation Programme as Pan‑African fellowship

Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja, Dr Kazeem Raji, Director-General of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), said the finalists were selected from over 3,000 entries nationwide.

He described the initiative as a powerful leap in Nigeria’s innovation diplomacy and economic transformation.

The innovators will present ground-breaking ideas spanning HealthTech, AgriTech, FinTech, Clean Energy, Artificial Intelligence and more, during the grand finale event taking place at Hilton London Paddington.

Among the standout innovations are a smart wearable bra (Bra-X) for early breast cancer detection, a ventilator capable of supporting six patients simultaneously, and AI-controlled drones for precision agriculture.

Others include clean energy solutions for rural areas and next-generation fintech apps designed to drive inclusive finance.

Dr Raji noted that London was chosen as the venue because of its status as a global capital and innovation hub, which provides the perfect environment to connect Nigerian solutions with venture capital, diaspora investors, and bilateral partners.

“This is not just a competition, it is a bold statement. Nigeria is not a consumer of innovation—we are a global provider of solutions,” Raji declared.

He added that highlights of the grand finale will include innovation pitches, consortium showcases like the Ogoni Land Renewal Project, and a $1 billion Innovate Africa-Israel Solar Project.

Other notable events include the launch of Lagos coastal areas as “The World’s Safest Innovation & Leisure Destination” and special roundtables hosted by SpinLab (Germany), Innovate UK, and the Commonwealth Economic Panel.

The conference will also host keynote speakers such as Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, Dr Shambhu Pokharel of Tesla Group Europe, and Victor Kitange, Economic Adviser of the Commonwealth Group.

Dr Raji also announced the launch of the NBTI Global App, designed to bridge Nigeria’s innovators with global markets and investors, adding,

“We’re not exporting talent — we are amplifying African solutions to the world.”

The NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025 is a partnership between NBTI and UK African Leadership and Development (UKALD) and has received strong backing from stakeholders including state governors, the National Assembly, and airline operator Allen Onyema of Air Peace.

Also read: Fearless Global Initiative debuts at 80th UNGA, champions Black economic future with 100-year blueprint

This initiative, Raji said, is part of a broader digital transformation strategy that seeks to place young Nigerian innovators at every global innovation table.