Nigeria Takes 105 Homegrown Innovations to London Stage

Nigeria is preparing to showcase 105 groundbreaking innovations at the global finale of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025 in London. The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) confirmed that the event would highlight the country’s growing reputation as a hub for technological and entrepreneurial talent.

Dr Kazeem Raji, Director General of NBTI, called the move “a bold, ambitious and coordinated effort to connect grassroots ingenuity with global capital.” The showcase will bring together over 3,000 applications narrowed down to 105 finalists. Their projects cut across HealthTech, AgriTech, FinTech, Clean Energy, Artificial Intelligence, and IoT. These solutions will be pitched before global investors, policymakers, and development leaders at the Hilton London Paddington.

Among the highlighted innovations are a smart wearable for early breast cancer detection, AI-powered farming drones, a ventilator that supports six patients at once, and affordable clean energy products aimed at underserved communities. Inclusive finance tools also feature, targeting wider access to digital financial services.

Why London?

According to Raji, London was chosen because of its global standing in capital and innovation. “London provides the opportunity to connect Nigerian innovators with venture capitalists, diaspora investors, European industry leaders, and policy influencers,” he explained. The finale will also include a showcase of strategic partnerships such as the $1 billion Innovate Africa Israel/BIPVco Solar Project.

The finalists were rigorously vetted by Prof Hari Mohan of London South Bank University to meet global standards. The event enjoys strong institutional support, with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda playing a key role in backing the initiative. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, also provided policy support, while the British High Commission in Nigeria facilitated speedy visa approvals for participants. Air Peace Chairman, Chief Allen Onyema, offered discounted and complimentary flights to transport innovators.

The NBTI also announced plans to launch the NBTI Global App, which will serve as a digital marketplace connecting Nigerian innovators with international investors and markets. Raji said, “We are not exporting talents, we are amplifying solutions from Africa to the world.”

Looking ahead, the 2026 edition of the Challenge will also debut in London, with submissions opening in early 2026. This continuity signals Nigeria’s commitment to positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s innovation renaissance.