The 2026 edition of the Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation has officially opened for entries, inviting scientists, researchers, technologists, and innovators from around the world to submit breakthrough solutions in Artificial Intelligence, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and digital technologies.
Sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), the Prize remains one of Africa’s most prestigious recognitions for scientific excellence. For the 2026 cycle, the theme is “Innovations in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Technologies for Development.”
The theme has been retained following a no-winner verdict in 2025, underscoring the Prize’s rigorous standards and its focus on solutions that demonstrate depth, originality, scalability, and measurable impact. Rather than rewarding only theoretical concepts, the Prize is seeking innovations that are technically mature, deployable, and capable of driving tangible development outcomes within Nigeria’s economy.
Valued at USD $100,000, the competition is open to scientists and innovators globally. It specifically calls for pioneering AI-driven and digital solutions that can enhance systems, improve operational efficiency, and support data-driven decision-making across critical sectors such as energy, healthcare, agriculture, finance, infrastructure, and public services.
Speaking on the launch of the 2026 cycle, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, highlighted the growing influence of digital intelligence in reshaping industries and societies. She noted that the Prize continues to champion innovative ideas that are rigorous, relevant, and capable of shaping long-term national outcomes.
Also commenting on the call for entries, the Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Prize, Prof. Barth Nnaji, urged innovators to submit work that moves beyond abstraction to practical application. According to him, the Prize recognises solutions grounded in credible research with clear potential for real-world deployment, adding that entries must be inventive, scalable, and capable of delivering measurable results within Nigeria’s development landscape.
For AI founders, deep-tech entrepreneurs, academic researchers, and digital system architects building high-impact solutions, the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation presents both a significant funding opportunity and a global platform for recognition.
Further details on eligibility criteria and submission guidelines are available at www.thenigeriaprizes.org.
Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku
Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs
Contacts for enquiries:
Iwokiri Aprioku
Iwokiri.Aprioku@nlng.com
