NASENI Launches FutureMakers Virtual Hackathon, Targets 60 Innovators Across Nigeria

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has commenced its FutureMakers Virtual Hackathon and Pitch Sessions, with 60 young innovators selected from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to develop technology-driven solutions to local challenges.
The five-day virtual hackathon, organised by the NASENI Innovation Hub, will run from August 17 to 21, 2026, while the FutureMakers Week pitch sessions are scheduled for August 24 to 26. The pitch sessions will be streamed live on YouTube and Facebook.
According to NASENI, the virtual hackathon will bring together 60 shortlisted innovators selected from thousands of entries received during the competition. Participants will work on solutions addressing challenges identified within their respective geopolitical zones, with technical facilitators and mentors providing support throughout the programme.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, described FutureMakers Week as the culmination of the programme cycle, combining outreach, selection and the transition of innovative ideas into practical solutions and ventures.
The programme is designed around Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with each zone working on challenges drawn from its own local realities rather than relying on a single nationwide problem statement.
The Hub Manager, NASENI Innovation Hub, Busola Beckley Perez-Folayan, said the initiative is aimed at creating a talent pipeline that extends beyond Abuja and Lagos while providing young innovators with access to government-backed innovation infrastructure.
She explained that winners from the six zones will receive prizes, mentorship, training and scholarship opportunities. Each zonal winner will receive N1.5 million, while the second and third-place winners will receive N1 million and N500,000 respectively.
NASENI also stated that the top six winners from each zone will proceed to the NASENI Invention Fest, where they will compete for a grand prize of N5 million. Participants will also have the opportunity to undertake fully funded study tours and secure scholarships to two leading Nigerian universities.
FutureMakers by NASENI is being delivered in collaboration with academic and ecosystem partners, including MIVA Open University and the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja. NASENI Innovation Hub is also a member of the AfriLabs network.
The initiative, launched on December 11, 2025, is targeted at building the capacity of young Nigerian innovators aged 5 to 16 to develop technology-driven solutions to challenges affecting their communities.