Nigerian Content Board Launches 2025/2026 Tech Innovation Challenge

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced an open call for innovative proposals to tackle critical technological challenges within the nation’s oil, gas, and related sectors.

Dubbed the 2025/2026 Nigerian Content Research, Innovation, and Technology Challenge, the competition began in December 2025. It invites submissions from individuals, academic and research institutions, industry suppliers, and the general public.

According to a statement from the Board’s General Manager of Corporate Communications, Obinna Ezeobi, successful applicants will gain entry into the NCDMB’s Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre (TIIC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. There, they will receive mentorship and support to transform their ideas into market-ready solutions.

Proposals must address specific, approved industry themes and challenges. Key areas of focus include:

· Geological & Geophysical Studies: Exploration solutions, big data, and real-time logging data processing.

· Local Material Substitution: Sustainable materials for environmental cleanup, cryogenic tech for LNG/refinery use, and advanced cementing solutions.

· Technology Development: Innovations in demulsification, Internet of Things (IoT) applications for exploration/production, and condensate refining.

· Health, Safety & Environment: Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), produced water management, depollution systems, and hydrogen production techniques.

· Engineering: Enhanced oil recovery, refinery efficiency, lab equipment, drilling tech, and control systems.

· Renewable Energy: Solar, wind, and energy storage systems like batteries, hydrogen storage, thermal storage, and molten salts.

Competition Structure and Prizes

Submissions, limited to 1,500 words, must be made within one month of the announcement and include comprehensive details on the proposing entity, innovation, objectives, team, funding, marketing, and risk analysis.

The competition will unfold in three stages:

1. Stage 1: Thirty (30) proposals will be shortlisted and paired with mentors to develop demonstrations and presentations.

2. Stage 2: The pool will be reduced to ten (10) finalists.

3. Final Stage: The top five (5) winners will be selected following business pitch and demo presentations to corporate venture capitalists.

The top five winners will be awarded cash prizes, mentorship, and media exposure. All ten finalists will be onboarded into the TIIC at the Nigerian Content Tower for further guidance to commercialise their innovations. The Board stated that this exposure aims to connect innovators with investors to “drive innovation and expand market reach.”