OPay Innovation Challenge 2026

Overview

The OPay National Innovation Challenge is a holistic, tech-focused initiative that builds on OPay’s ₦1.2 billion, 10-year scholarship commitment. It aims to empower Nigerian undergraduates by providing them with a platform to develop digital solutions for real-world African problems, combining financial aid with professional skills, mentorship, and career placement.

Innovation Themes

Participants can develop solutions in any of the following sectors:

Fintech & Digital Payments

Healthtech

Cybersecurity & Data Protection

Edtech

AI & Automation for Social Good

Climate & Sustainability Solutions

Agritech

Digital Tools for SMEs & the Informal Sector

Eligibility Criteria

Must be an undergraduate student studying any course at a Nigerian Tertiary Institution.

Must have a minimum CGPA of 3.5/5 (for Universities) or 2.8/4 (for Colleges/Polytechnics).

Must demonstrate proficiency in AI-assisted design (specifically the Canva-Gemini workflow).

Preference is given to students who can demonstrate significant financial hardship.

Prizes and Benefits

1st Place: ₦10,000,000 project grant + ₦300,000 scholarship, a job opportunity, mentorship, prototype advisory support, and media features.

2nd Place: ₦5,000,000 project grant + ₦300,000 scholarship, prototype advisory support, fellowship entry, and media features.

3rd Place: ₦3,000,000 project grant + ₦300,000 scholarship, fellowship entry, and media features.

2026 Timeline & Stages

May – June: Applications & screening (shortlisting 48 teams / 240 students).

June – August: 6-week virtual webinar series followed by a timed online exam (30 questions in 30 minutes) to select the top 10 teams.

August – September: 6-week virtual innovation bootcamp hosted by OPay Digital experts.

July – December (OPay Futures): Ongoing mentorship, internships, and job placements for top performers.

November 6: Grand Finale at the Empowering Futures Conference 2.0, where the top 4 teams will pitch to industry giants and investors.

Important Details

Application Deadline: June 14, 2026.