NLNG invites innovators, scientists, startups, practitioners, and interdisciplinary teams worldwide to submit entries for The 2026 Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation. The Prize seeks high-impact, innovative, and scalable solutions that deploy Artificial Intelligence or Information Communication Technology (ICT) or Digital Technologies to address clearly defined development challenges relevant to Nigeria. Both research-led innovations and practice-led, field-tested solutions are strongly encouraged.

Entry Theme: Innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Information Communication Technology (ICT) or Digital Technologies for Development

NLNG Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation Benefits

The winner(s) would receive an award of USD 100,000.00

Requirements for NLNG Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation

The award is open to scientists and innovators worldwide (Nigerians and non-Nigerians) involved in the application of science and innovation to proffer solutions in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Information Communication Technology (ICT) or Digital Technologies for Development.

Members of the Advisory Board or Panel of Judges or their relatives are not allowed to enter their works for the science and innovation prize during their year of service as well as the following year.

NLNG staff or their immediate family members are ineligible to enter the prize during their years of service and five (5) years post-service.

The work should be of outstanding merit and should have advanced the frontiers of knowledge and/or provide an innovative technology in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Information Communication Technology (ICT) or Digital Technologies for Development.

The entry should be a completed scientific work or innovative technology, substantiated by either a proof of concept or tangible societal impact.

Only one entry can be submitted by an individual or group.

All materials in support of the entry must be submitted within the time stipulated.

Selection Process

Entries must demonstrate:

Clear integration of AI, or ICT, or Digital Technologies

Practical applicability and operational clarity

Evidence of deployment, piloting, or real-world testing

Measurable or clearly articulated community or societal impact

Potential for scalability, sustainability, and adoption

Innovations with strong real-world impact will be given due consideration.

Application Deadline

April 30, 2026

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to https://www.thenigeriaprizes.org/?page_id=15927 to apply

Submission Process

Entry Theme: Innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Information Communication Technology (ICT) or Digital Technologies for Development

Entries should be submitted via www.thenigeriaprizes.org

As the intention is to recognise the most relevant and effective solution to a prescribed problem for which Nigeria benefits, works of collaboration by two or more persons are also welcome.

Only one entry per contestant(s) is permitted per competition year.

Entries not submitted by the stated deadline and according to stated conditions shall not be considered.

The prize will be awarded for no other reason than excellence.